Michel Barnier Appointed the New French Foreign Minister
French President Emmanuel Macron has appointed Michel Barnier as the new prime minister of France, following political deadlock after snap elections. Barnier, a 73-year-old veteran of the right-wing Republicans (LR) party and former EU Brexit negotiator, will now lead a government tasked with navigating a divided National Assembly.
Three years ago, Barnier expressed his desire to challenge Macron for the French presidency but was not selected as a candidate by his party. He will be France’s oldest prime minister since the Fifth Republic began in 1958, succeeding Gabriel Attal, the country’s youngest prime minister who has been serving as caretaker since July.
Macron’s choice of Barnier has stirred controversy, particularly among left-wing parties who accuse the government of being aligned with the far-right. Jean-Luc Mélenchon, leader of the radical France Unbowed party, criticized the selection, calling for a left-wing protest against Macron’s decision.
Overall, Barnier’s appointment marks a significant shift in French politics, setting the stage for a new chapter in the country’s governance under Macron’s administration.
