After a prolonged political stalemate, French President Emmanuel Macron has appointed Michel Barnier as the new prime minister.
The 73-year-old former EU chief Brexit negotiator assumes the role following nearly two months of uncertainty after snap elections left the French National Assembly deeply divided.
Barnier, a veteran politician from the right-wing Republicans (LR) party, is set to take on the daunting task of leading a government that must navigate through a fragmented Assembly where no single party holds a clear majority.
He succeeds Gabriel Attal, who had been serving as the caretaker prime minister since July after being appointed earlier in 2024 as France’s youngest-ever prime minister.
The appointment of Barnier, who is often referred to as Monsieur Brexit for his role in negotiating the UK’s departure from the European Union, marks a notable shift.
At 73, he becomes the oldest prime minister of France since the establishment of the Fifth Republic in 1958.
His long political career, both in France and within the EU, has been marked by significant leadership roles.
The task ahead for Barnier is immense. He must not only steer the government through internal divisions but also secure approval for France’s 2025 budget.
The draft budget, which must be presented to the National Assembly by October 1, is expected to face significant opposition from rival political factions.
Meanwhile, Barnier’s nomination has sparked discontent from France’s left-wing parties, particularly the New Popular Front (NFP), whose own candidate for prime minister was rejected by Macron.
Jean-Luc Mélenchon, leader of the France Unbowed (LFI) party, criticized the appointment, accusing Macron of forming what he called “a Macron-Le Pen government” and vowed to lead protests against the decision.
While the National Rally (RN), led by Marine Le Pen, has distanced itself from Barnier’s administration, RN president Jordan Bardella has indicated that Barnier will be judged on his handling of critical issues like immigration, security, and the cost of living.
Bardella warned that his party would hold the government accountable if these concerns were not addressed.
The political landscape in France remains tense, as Barnier will need to win over 289 MPs in the 577-seat Assembly to survive a vote of confidence.
The appointment follows several weeks of deliberation by President Macron, who had been seeking a candidate capable of navigating the fractured parliament while maintaining stability.
Despite growing criticism, Macron’s decision to appoint Barnier is seen as a move to ensure broad unity and stability within the government.
Barnier now faces the immediate challenge of guiding the country through its ongoing political crisis and securing enough support to lead France through a critical period ahead.
