French President Emmanuel Macron has appointed veteran politician Michel Barnier as the country’s new prime minister, following nearly two months of political gridlock after France’s snap elections. The Élysée Palace confirmed the appointment in a statement on Thursday, saying, “The President of the Republic has appointed Michel Barnier as Prime Minister. He has to form a united government to serve the country and the French people.”
Barnier’s appointment comes after an “unprecedented cycle of consultations” aimed at ensuring a stable government. He now faces the challenge of forming a cabinet that can survive in a National Assembly divided among three major political blocs, none of which holds a clear majority.
At 73, Barnier is France’s oldest prime minister since the establishment of the Fifth Republic in 1958. A well-known figure in both French and European politics, Barnier is best recognized on the international stage as the EU’s chief negotiator during the Brexit process. A staunch Europhile, Barnier is a member of the traditional right-wing Republicans party and has held numerous ministerial positions in France, including foreign, agriculture, and environment ministries.
President Macron has taken 60 days to decide on a prime minister, following the resignation of Gabriel Attal and his government in July after Macron’s centrist Ensemble alliance lost its majority in the snap elections. Attal had remained in office as a caretaker prime minister since then. Macron's decision comes after a "political truce" during the Paris Olympics, with pressure mounting from across the political spectrum for him to appoint a new leader.
While Barnier’s experience and credentials are strong, the path to forming a stable government remains uncertain. The far-right National Rally (RN), one of the largest parties in parliament, has suggested that it may not immediately oppose Barnier, though RN figures have criticized the choice of a veteran politician. Barnier’s reputation as a tough negotiator, particularly from his time handling Brexit, is well-known both in France and abroad.
Born in Grenoble in 1951, Barnier entered politics at the age of 27 and has been a significant presence in both national and European political spheres for decades.
His ability to unite a fractured political landscape will be tested greatly but they are indeed crucial in ensuring the success of Macron’s government.
Global
Pope Francis Criticizes Both US Presidential Candidates, Urges Voters to Choose the “Lesser Evil”
Pope Francis has advised American Catholics to weigh their choices carefully as they prepare to vote in the upcoming November election.
Sweden Offers $34,000 to Migrants Who Voluntarily Return Home Amid New Immigration Strategy
Sweden's government has announced plans to increase financial incentives for immigrants who choose to voluntarily return to their home countries, offering up to 350,000 Swedish kronor (approximately $34,000).
Russia Accuses British Diplomats of Spying Amid Tensions Over Ukraine War
Russian authorities have accused British diplomats of engaging in intelligence activities as tensions rise over the war in Ukraine, with claims of espionage targeting the country’s national security.
Boeing Workers Reject Pay Deal: Strike Set to Begin Amid Growing Company Woes
Boeing workers have overwhelmingly rejected a proposed deal that included a 25% pay rise, triggering plans for a strike starting Friday at midnight Pacific Time (0700 GMT).
Red Cross Humanitarian Workers Killed in Deadly Eastern Ukraine Shelling
Three International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) workers lost their lives, and two others were injured in a devastating strike in eastern Ukraine, the ICRC reported.
U.S. Backs Permanent African Seats on UN Security Council, Pushing for Greater Representation
The United States has officially announced its support for adding two permanent seats for African countries on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), a move that could significantly amplify the continent's voice in global decision-making.
Alberto Fujimori, Controversial Former President of Peru, Dies at 86
Alberto Fujimori, the former president of Peru, has passed away at the age of 86 after a long battle with cancer, his daughter Keiko Fujimori confirmed.
Deadly Airstrike Hits Humanitarian Zone in Gaza, Sparking Outrage
In a tragic incident, an airstrike on the Al-Mawasi humanitarian zone in the Palestinian city of Khan Yunis in Gaza has claimed the lives of at least 40 people and left 60 others wounded, according to the Gaza civil defence agency.
Deadly Typhoon Yagi Wreaks Havoc in Northern Vietnam, Leaving Bridges, Homes Destroyed
A powerful typhoon raging through northern Vietnam has caused widespread destruction, leaving at least 59 people dead, according to state media reports.
Deadly Attack at Jordan-West Bank Border Crossing Leaves Three Israelis Dead
Three Israeli civilians have been killed in a shooting attack at the Allenby Bridge crossing, a border area between Jordan and the occupied West Bank, according to Israeli officials.
Venezuelan Opposition Candidate Flees to Spain Amid Post-Election Turmoil
The Venezuelan government has announced that opposition presidential candidate Edmundo González has left the country and sought asylum in Spain.
Trump's Sentencing Delayed Until After 2024 Election to Avoid Political Influence
Former President Donald Trump will not be sentenced in his New York criminal case until after the 2024 presidential election, Judge Juan Merchan announced Friday.
Boeing's Starliner Lands Safely After Uncrewed Test Flight, but Questions Remain About Its Future
Boeing's Starliner spacecraft made a smooth landing in the New Mexico desert on Friday night, marking the end of a challenging three-month test flight.
UN Calls for Full Investigation After US-Turkish Woman Killed by Israeli Forces in West Bank Protest
The United Nations has called for a thorough investigation into the fatal shooting of Aysenur Ezgi Eygi, a 26-year-old US-Turkish dual national, during a protest in the occupied West Bank on Friday.
Dick Cheney Endorses Kamala Harris, Calls Trump the 'Greatest Threat to Our Republic'
In a surprising move, former US Vice-President and lifelong Republican Dick Cheney has confirmed his support for Democratic candidate Kamala Harris in the upcoming presidential election.