President Emmanuel Macron appointed Michel Barnier, the former EU Brexit negotiator, as France’s new prime minister, ending more than 50 days of a caretaker government. Barnier, 73, steps into the role after extensive efforts by Macron and his team to identify a candidate capable of navigating the fractured political landscape in parliament and leading a government that could withstand attempts by opposition forces to destabilize it.
Barnier’s appointment comes amid a complex political environment, where Macron’s administration has struggled to secure a solid majority in parliament. The new prime minister is now tasked with forming a government that can gather broad support and endure potential challenges from Macron’s opponents. Barnier’s experience and political acumen will be crucial as he assembles a team to guide France through its current political and economic challenges.
In a statement announcing Barnier’s appointment, Macron’s office emphasized that his selection followed an unprecedented cycle of consultations. The statement highlighted that Macron had ensured the new Prime Minister and his future government would be positioned to create stability and unite the country as widely as possible, fulfilling the constitutional duty to serve the French people.
