Michel Barnier, the former chief Brexit negotiator for the European Union, has been appointed as France’s new prime minister, according to an announcement from the Élysée Palace. This appointment ends a two-month deadlock following inconclusive parliamentary elections that left France without a clear government direction.
In a statement released on Thursday, the Élysée Palace declared: “The President of the Republic has appointed Michel Barnier as Prime Minister. He is tasked with forming a united government to serve the nation and the French people.” The appointment followed “an unprecedented cycle of consultations” aimed at securing a stable and effective government.
Barnier, 73, is a prominent figure in French and European politics and a long-standing member of the Republicans, the traditional right-wing party in France. Known globally for his leadership role in negotiating Brexit, Barnier brings over four decades of political experience to the role, having served in various ministerial capacities including foreign affairs, agriculture, and environment in France, and as a European commissioner.
His appointment comes after President Emmanuel Macron accepted the resignation of former Prime Minister Gabriel Attal in July, following the defeat of Macron’s centrist Ensemble alliance in France’s snap parliamentary elections. Macron had faced pressure from all political sides to swiftly appoint a new prime minister, stating during a visit to Serbia last week that he was “making all the necessary efforts” to finalize the appointment.
Barnier’s extensive political career, combined with his deep commitment to European unity, is seen as a move to restore stability and cohesion within the French government during a turbulent time.
