Michel Barnier, a seasoned French conservative politician, has taken on the role of prime minister, nearly two months after France’s snap elections resulted in a political deadlock.
His appointment follows a period of intense negotiations and deliberations by President Emmanuel Macron, who ultimately chose Barnier to lead the government.
This decision comes after weeks of uncertainty, during which Macron engaged in discussions with various political factions and potential candidates.
Barnier, who is 73 years old, is well-known both in France and across Europe, particularly for his role as the European Union’s chief Brexit negotiator. His extensive experience in navigating complex political situations will be put to the test as he assumes leadership at a critical time.
Upon arriving at the official prime minister’s residence, Hôtel Matignon, on Thursday evening, Barnier took over from Gabriel Attal, who holds the distinction of being France’s youngest-ever prime minister, having served for just eight months.
In his first public statements as prime minister, Barnier acknowledged the gravity of the challenges ahead, describing France as being at a “serious moment.” He emphasised the need for humility in facing the current political climate and stressed the importance of listening to all political forces, underscoring the inclusivity that he intends to bring to his leadership. ”
All political forces will have to be respected and listened to, and I mean all,” he said, signaling a commitment to bridging divides and working collaboratively.
Barnier’s immediate challenge is to form a government that can function within a fractured National Assembly. The recent elections left the assembly divided into three major political blocs, none of which hold a clear majority. This fragmented political landscape will require significant diplomatic and strategic skill on Barnier’s part if his government is to survive.
The centre-left Socialist party has already made it clear that they plan to challenge his appointment through a vote of confidence, which will be an early test of Barnier’s ability to navigate this politically volatile environment.
Beyond the internal political strife, Barnier has also acknowledged the broader issues affecting France. He spoke about the “challenges, the anger, and the sense of being abandoned and of injustice” that pervade both urban and rural communities across the country.
He promised to address these concerns with honesty, particularly in relation to the financial and environmental difficulties France faces. He also pledged to work with “all those in good faith,” suggesting that he is open to collaborating with a broad spectrum of political actors to achieve unity and respect.
Barnier’s appointment comes after a prolonged process of deliberation by President Macron, who had called a “political truce” during the Paris Olympics. It took Macron 60 days to finalise his decision, reflecting the complex nature of the political impasse and the challenges of finding a candidate capable of leading in such a divided political environment.
In his farewell speech at Hôtel Matignon, outgoing prime minister Gabriel Attal painted a somber picture of the current state of French politics, stating, “French politics is sick, but a cure is possible, provided that we all agree to move away from sectarianism.”
Barnier’s political career spans decades. He has been a prominent figure in France’s right-wing Republicans (LR) party and has held various key roles both domestically and within the EU.
Known as “Monsieur Brexit” in France due to his pivotal role in the UK’s withdrawal negotiations, Barnier is regarded as a shrewd negotiator who is well-versed in dealing with political gridlock. He is also the oldest prime minister France has had since the establishment of the Fifth Republic in 1958.
Three years ago, Barnier made an unsuccessful bid to become the LR party’s candidate for the French presidency, where he campaigned on a platform that included limiting and controlling immigration. Now, as prime minister, his ability to guide France through this tumultuous period will be closely watched.
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[…] On Saturday, large-scale protests erupted across France as citizens expressed their discontent with President Emmanuel Macron’s recent decision to appoint centre-right politician Michel Barnier as the country’s new prime minister. […]