Michel Barnier has been appointed as France’s new prime minister, according to a statement from President Emmanuel Macron’s office. This comes after two months of political deadlock caused by inconclusive results in the parliamentary elections.
In a statement released on Thursday, September 5, the Élysée Palace confirmed: “The President of the Republic has appointed Michel Barnier as Prime Minister. He is tasked with forming a unified government to serve the nation and its people.”
The statement also noted that Barnier’s appointment followed “an unprecedented cycle of consultations” aimed at securing a stable government.
At 73, Barnier is widely known on the international stage for his key role in negotiating the UK’s exit from the European Union. With 40 years of experience in French and European politics, he has held numerous senior roles, including positions as France’s foreign, agriculture, and environment minister. Barnier has also served as a European commissioner and as an advisor to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. In 2021, he made a bid for the presidency but failed to gain sufficient support within his party.
Barnier’s appointment follows the resignation of former Prime Minister Gabriel Attal and his government in July, which came after Macron’s centrist Ensemble alliance was defeated in the second round of the snap parliamentary election.
Following the announcement of Barnier’s appointment, leaders from France’s far-right and far-left political parties voiced their reactions, with the far-left condemning the decision.
