Michel Barnier, the former EU chief Brexit negotiator, has been appointed as France’s new prime minister, according to an announcement from French President Emmanuel Macron’s office. This appointment follows a two-month period of political deadlock after inconclusive parliamentary elections.
In a statement on Thursday, September 5, the Élysée Palace declared, “The President of the Republic has appointed Michel Barnier as Prime Minister. He is tasked with forming a unified government to serve the nation and its people.”
The statement also noted that Barnier’s appointment follows an “unprecedented cycle of consultations” aimed at ensuring governmental stability.
At 73, Barnier is renowned internationally for his role in negotiating the United Kingdom’s departure from the European Union. A veteran of French and European politics with over 40 years of experience, Barnier has held various ministerial roles in France, including Foreign Minister, Agriculture Minister, and Environment Minister. He also served twice as a European Commissioner and as an adviser to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. Barnier ran for the French presidency in 2021 but did not secure enough support within his party.
Macron accepted the resignation of former Prime Minister Gabriel Attal and his government in July, following a defeat of his centrist Ensemble alliance in the second round of France’s snap parliamentary elections.
The appointment of Barnier has drawn reactions from leaders of France’s main far-right and far-left political parties. The far-left has condemned the decision, while Jordan Bardella, president of the far-right National Rally party, stated on social media that his party will “judge” Barnier based on his inaugural policy speech, budgetary decisions, and actions. Marine Le Pen, a colleague of Bardella’s, emphasized that her party will not engage in any governmental matters until after Barnier’s policy plans are presented.
Jean-Luc Mélenchon of the far-left France Unbowed party criticized President Macron, accusing him of “overturning” the results of the July parliamentary elections. Mélenchon remarked in a televised speech, “The president has officially disregarded the results of the legislative elections he himself called for. Barnier is a member of a party that finished last in the election, making this a theft from the French people.”
