FRANCE, Sept 05 (Alliance News): Michel Barnier, the EU’s former chief Brexit negotiator, has been appointed as France’s new Prime Minister, according to a statement from the French president’s office.
This appointment concludes a two-month period of political deadlock following inconclusive parliamentary elections.
The Élysée Palace announced on Thursday that Barnier, 73, has been tasked with forming a united government. The decision comes after an “unprecedented cycle of consultations” aimed at ensuring governmental stability, CNN reported.
Barnier, a prominent Europhile and member of the traditional right Republicans party, is renowned internationally for his role in managing the UK’s departure from the European Union.
His extensive political career includes serving as France’s foreign, agriculture, and environment ministers, as well as holding roles as a European commissioner and adviser to European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen.
Despite his extensive experience, Barnier’s bid for the French presidency in 2021 was unsuccessful.
The appointment follows the resignation of former Prime Minister Gabriel Attal in July, after a defeat for Macron’s centrist Ensemble alliance in France’s snap parliamentary elections. The appointment of Barnier comes amidst calls from various political factions for a new prime minister. Macron, during a recent visit to Serbia, assured that he was making all necessary efforts to finalize the appointment.
Barnier’s ability to form a stable government remains uncertain. The far-right National Rally (RN), one of the largest parties in parliament following the recent elections, has expressed a willingness to work with Barnier but has also been critical of his appointment. RN politician Laurent Jacobelli described the move as bringing back “those who have governed France for 40 years.”
Barnier’s notable tenure as the chief negotiator for Brexit, during which he was known for his rigorous negotiation tactics, is a significant aspect of his political legacy. Born in Grenoble in 1951, Barnier began his parliamentary career at the age of 27.
