Michel Barnier appointed as the new Prime Minister of France

Michel Barnier, former chief Brexit negotiator for the EU, has been appointed as France’s new prime minister, according to an announcement from French President Emmanuel Macron’s office. This decision comes after two months of political deadlock following inconclusive parliamentary elections.

On Thursday, September 5, the Élysée Palace released a statement declaring, “The President of the Republic has appointed Michel Barnier as Prime Minister. His task is to form a unified government to serve the nation and its citizens.”

The statement further noted that Barnier’s appointment follows an “unprecedented cycle of consultations” aimed at ensuring a stable government.

Barnier, 73, is internationally recognized for his role in overseeing the UK’s departure from the European Union. With four decades of experience in French and European politics, Barnier has served in various ministerial roles, including foreign, agriculture, and environment ministers. He has also held positions as a European commissioner and advisor to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. In 2021, Barnier ran for the French presidency but did not secure enough support within his party.

In July, Macron accepted the resignation of former Prime Minister Gabriel Attal and his government after Attal’s centrist Ensemble alliance was defeated in the second round of France’s snap parliamentary elections.

The appointment has elicited responses from France’s leading far-right and far-left parties. The far-left has criticized the decision, while Jordan Bardella, president of the far-right National Rally party, stated on social media that his party would evaluate Barnier based on his first “general policy speech, budgetary decisions, and actions.”

Marine Le Pen, a colleague of Bardella, indicated that her party would not engage with the government until they have heard Barnier’s policy outline. However, she acknowledged Barnier’s respect for diverse political forces and his capability in addressing their concerns.

Jean-Luc Mélenchon of the far-left France Unbowed party condemned President Macron, accusing him of “disregarding” the results of the July parliamentary elections. Mélenchon claimed that Barnier, as a member of a party that was last in the legislative election, represents a “stolen” election from the French people.