Michel Barnier named as new French prime minister

Michel Barnier, former chief Brexit negotiator for the EU, has been appointed France’s new prime minister, according to the French president’s office. This marks the end of two months of deadlock following inconclusive parliamentary elections.

In a statement released on Thursday, the Élysée Palace said: “The President of the Republic has appointed Michel Barnier as Prime Minister. His task is to form a united government to serve the nation and its people.”

The announcement emphasized that Barnier’s appointment followed “an unprecedented series of consultations” aimed at securing a stable government.

Barnier, 73, is a long-time member of the Republicans, a center-right party. He gained international prominence for leading Brexit negotiations on behalf of the EU. A seasoned politician with over four decades of experience, Barnier has held multiple ministerial roles in France, including posts in foreign affairs, agriculture, and the environment.

He has also served twice as a European commissioner and worked as an adviser to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. In 2021, Barnier launched a bid for the French presidency but failed to gain enough backing within his party.

President Macron accepted the resignation of former Prime Minister Gabriel Attal and his government in July, after Macron’s centrist Ensemble alliance lost the second round of snap parliamentary elections. Since then, there has been pressure from across the political spectrum for Macron to appoint a new prime minister.

Last week, while on a visit to Serbia, Macron assured reporters that he was making every effort to reach a decision.

Forming a government

Barnier’s ability to form a stable government remains uncertain. The far-right National Rally (RN), one of the largest parties in parliament after the July elections, has hinted at a possible willingness to cooperate with Barnier, though it has not ruled out opposing him.

RN politician Laurent Jacobelli expressed skepticism about Barnier’s appointment, telling French broadcaster TF1: “They are dusting off those who have governed France for the past 40 years.”

The announcement prompted strong reactions from France’s far-right and far-left parties, with the far-left condemning the move.

Jordan Bardella, president of the National Rally, stated on social media that his party will evaluate Barnier based on his “general policy speech, budgetary decisions, and actions.”

Marine Le Pen, another prominent figure in the RN, also clarified that her party would not join any government until Barnier outlines his policies in a formal address. Despite her reservations, Le Pen acknowledged Barnier’s political experience, describing him as “someone who respects different political forces” and is “capable” of engaging with her party.

Meanwhile, Jean-Luc Mélenchon, leader of the far-left France Unbowed, launched a scathing attack on President Macron. He accused Macron of “stealing” the July elections and dismissing the outcome by appointing Barnier, whose party had a poor showing in the legislative elections. In a televised address, Mélenchon argued,

“The president has just officially denied the results of the legislative elections he himself called for. Barnier’s party finished last in the election, meaning the election was stolen from the French people.”

Mélenchon also called for nationwide protests against Barnier’s appointment starting this Saturday.

Barnier, best known for his role as the EU’s chief Brexit negotiator, led the complex and protracted talks between the UK and Brussels from 2016 to 2021, earning a reputation for being a tough negotiator. Born in January 1951 in a suburb of Grenoble, Barnier first entered French politics at the age of 27 when he was elected to parliament.

Michel Barnier named as new French prime minister

Michel Barnier, the EU’s former chief Brexit negotiator, has been appointed as France’s new prime minister.

This announcement from the French president’s office ends two months of political uncertainty following the inconclusive parliamentary elections.

Official Announcement by the Élysée Palace

In a statement issued on Thursday, the Élysée Palace declared:

“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.”

This appointment follows an unprecedented cycle of consultations aimed at ensuring a stable government.

Michel Barnier: A Political Veteran

Barnier, 73, is a well-known figure in French and European politics. He is a staunch Europhile and a member of the Republicans party, which represents the traditional right.

Internationally, he is best recognized for his role in overseeing the United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union.

Political Career

With over 40 years of experience, Barnier has held several ministerial positions in France, including roles as foreign, agriculture, and environment ministers.

He also served as a European commissioner twice and was an adviser to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.

In 2021, he ran for the French presidential elections but did not secure enough support from his party.

Macron’s Government Reshuffle

President Macron accepted the resignation of former Prime Minister Gabriel Attal and his government in July.

This followed the defeat of Macron’s centrist Ensemble alliance in the second round of France’s snap parliamentary election.

Since then, Macron has faced mounting pressure from across the political spectrum to appoint a new prime minister.

During a recent trip to Serbia, Macron told journalists that he was making every effort to finalize the appointment.

Challenges in Forming a Government

Barnier’s ability to form a stable government is uncertain. The far-right National Rally (RN) is one of the largest parties in the parliament after the recent elections.

While the RN has suggested it may work with Barnier, RN politician Laurent Jacobelli criticized the choice, commenting:

“They are taking out of mothballs those who have governed France for 40 years.”

Reactions from the Far-Right and Far-Left

The leaders of both the far-right and far-left political parties expressed strong opinions following Barnier’s appointment.

Jordan Bardella, president of the far-right National Rally party, stated that his party will judge Barnier based on his policy speech, budgetary decisions, and actions.

Marine Le Pen, a prominent figure in the RN, commended Barnier for his respect toward different political forces but confirmed that her party would not participate in any government until after hearing Barnier’s policy proposals.

On the other hand, Jean-Luc Melenchon, leader of the far-left France Unbowed party, harshly criticized President Macron, accusing him of “stealing” the legislative elections and calling for protests against Barnier’s appointment.

Barnier’s Brexit Negotiation Legacy

Michel Barnier’s international recognition largely stems from his role as chief negotiator during the UK’s exit from the European Union.

The negotiations, which took place between 2016 and 2021, were characterized by Barnier’s tough stance on behalf of the EU, earning him a reputation for driving a hard bargain with the UK.

Early Life and Political Beginnings

Born in January 1951 in a suburb of Grenoble, Barnier was first elected to parliament at the age of 27.

His long-standing involvement in both French and European politics has shaped his distinguished career, culminating in his recent appointment as France’s prime minister.

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