In a decisive move to resolve France’s political deadlock, President Emmanuel Macron appointed Michel Barnier as the country’s new Prime Minister on Thursday. The appointment follows a snap election that ended inconclusively, leaving the nation without a stable government. “The President of the Republic has appointed Michel Barnier as Prime Minister. He has to form a united government to serve the country and the French people,” the Elysee Palace announced in a formal statement.
Oldest Premier in Modern French History
Barnier, 73, a seasoned politician and former EU Brexit negotiator, will now become the oldest prime minister in France’s modern history. His appointment marks a significant shift, as he succeeds Gabriel Attal, who, at the time of his appointment, had been France’s youngest prime minister. Barnier’s role in leading the European Union’s negotiations with Britain during the Brexit process between 2016 and 2021 has been a defining aspect of his career, bringing him international recognition.
Challenges in Forming a Stable Government
Macron had considered several candidates for the prime minister position, but none were able to secure sufficient backing to establish a stable government. As a result, Barnier has been tasked with creating a “unifying government in the service of the country.” However, there remains uncertainty about whether the new administration will be able to implement reforms, as parliament remains fractured after the recent elections.
Far-Right National Rally’s Response
France’s far-right National Rally (RN) party, a major force in parliament following the July elections, has expressed cautious acceptance of Barnier’s appointment. The RN has indicated that it will not immediately reject his government, provided certain conditions are met. These include addressing immigration issues, a key point in Barnier’s 2021 presidential campaign attempt, and moving toward proportional representation in parliamentary elections.
While some RN lawmakers are advocating for parliament’s dissolution and a more representative electoral system, others remain skeptical of Barnier’s leadership, citing concerns over his past positions on immigration and European integration.
With a hung parliament and differing political factions vying for influence, it is uncertain whether Barnier will be able to guide France toward political stability. Nonetheless, his appointment marks a new chapter in French politics, one that will be closely watched in the weeks to come.
