In a significant political development, veteran French conservative Michel Barnier has been appointed as the new Prime Minister of France. The appointment comes nearly two months after France held snap elections in which no party was able to secure a majority in the National Assembly. President Emmanuel Macron appointed Barnier, the EU’s former chief Brexit negotiator, as the Prime Minister after lengthy negotiations with various political parties and candidates.
Barnier’s task as the new government head is daunting: to move the divided National Assembly forward and steer the country out of the current political turmoil. 73-year-old Barnier, a veteran of French and European politics, will take over from France’s youngest Prime Minister Gabriel Attal, who served for only eight months.
A “serious moment” for France
Upon arriving at the Hotel Matignon, the official residence of the French Prime Minister in Paris, Barnier acknowledged the gravity of the situation. “France has arrived at a serious moment,” he said, stressing the need for humility and inclusiveness. “All political forces must be respected and listened to, and I mean everyone,” Barnier insisted, beginning what is expected to be a challenging tenure.
His immediate priority will be to form a government that can avoid a fractured National Assembly that is divided into three major political factions. None of these factions – the center-right Republicans (LR), the left-wing coalition led by the Socialists, or President Macron’s centrist Renaissance Party – holds a clear majority. This reality requires Barnier to use his well-honed negotiating skills to build consensus and advance policy.
Vote of confidence awaited
Barnier’s appointment is not without controversy. The Socialists, who are one of the major opposition forces, have already signaled their intention to challenge his leadership with a vote of confidence. The move will likely test Barnier’s ability to unite disparate political factions and secure a mandate to govern effectively.
In response to the challenges ahead, Barnier has promised to address the concerns and frustrations of the French people. He acknowledged the “challenges, anger and sense of abandonment and injustice that pervade our cities and countryside.” His rhetoric suggests a desire to reach out to those who are frustrated with the current political climate and to foster a sense of national unity.
Honesty and collaboration at the forefront
Barnier has vowed to approach his role with transparency, pledging to “tell the French people the truth about the financial and environmental challenges facing the country.” This promise of candor is a departure from the often opaque nature of French politics and is aimed at building trust with voters.
He called for collaboration with “all people of goodwill” and emphasized the importance of respect and unity. His statement suggests an openness to working across party lines and engaging with those of different political ideologies to find common ground, an approach that could be crucial in a deeply divided parliament.
Delayed decision amid political turmoil
Barnier’s appointment comes after 60 days of deliberations by President Macron. Following inconclusive snap elections, Macron declared a “political truce” during the Paris Olympics, putting the selection of a new prime minister on hold. This period of uncertainty further fuelled political tensions in the country, as various parties and interest groups awaited the president’s decision.
In his farewell speech outside the Hotel Matignon, outgoing Prime Minister Gabriel Attal highlighted the divisions within French politics. “French politics is sick, but it is curable, provided we all agree to move away from sectarianism,” Attal said, hinting at the challenges Barnier will face.
An experienced negotiator in times of deadlock
Barnier’s extensive experience in overcoming political deadlock makes him a suitable candidate for this challenging role. As the EU’s chief Brexit negotiator from 2016 to 2019, he led complex and lengthy discussions with the United Kingdom, demonstrating his ability to manage high-stakes negotiations and bridge significant divisions.
In addition to his European credentials, Barnier has had a long and illustrious political career in France. He has been a stalwart of the right-wing Republicans (LR) party and has served in various ministerial positions over the past several years. Despite his political experience, he is now stepping into the role of prime minister as France’s oldest leader since the founding of the Fifth Republic in 1958.
A conservative leader with clear priorities
Barnier’s political journey is marked by his commitment to conservative values and his willingness to address issues such as immigration. Three years ago, he tried to become his party’s candidate to challenge Macron in the presidential election.