In a surprising move, French President Emmanuel Macron has named former Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier as the country’s new Prime Minister. The appointment was announced on Thursday, with the presidency stating that Barnier has been tasked with forming a “unifying government in the service of the country.” This appointment marks a significant shift in French politics, making the 73-year-old Barnier the oldest Prime Minister in modern French history.
Barnier, a seasoned politician, served as the EU’s chief negotiator for Brexit talks with Britain from 2016 to 2021. Prior to this, he held various roles in French governments and served as the EU Commissioner. His appointment comes at a time when Macron faces a challenging political landscape. His coalition lost significant seats in the June parliamentary elections, resulting in a hung parliament, where no party holds an absolute majority. This lack of a clear majority has made it difficult for Macron to enact his desired reforms.
The choice of Barnier is seen as a strategic move by Macron. While many potential candidates were considered, none had the necessary support to form a stable government. Barnier, a figure known for his experience and political acumen, is considered a moderate and pro-European politician. However, his past political stances have drawn criticism. During his unsuccessful attempt to secure the conservative party’s ticket for the presidential election in 2021, he adopted a tougher stance on immigration, aligning himself with the views of the far-right National Rally party.
The appointment has sparked mixed reactions. While the far-right National Rally, a significant force in parliament, has signaled it wouldn’t immediately oppose Barnier, it has set certain conditions. These include a commitment to dissolving parliament soon and adopting a proportional representation system for parliamentary elections. The National Rally’s enthusiasm for Barnier’s tenure, however, appears to be lukewarm.
Macron’s decision to appoint Barnier comes after weeks of deliberation. The left-leaning New Popular Alliance was also unable to form a government. Despite the lack of a clear majority, Macron has stated that he does not intend to hold another snap election until next July.
Barnier’s appointment signals a new chapter in French politics. It remains to be seen whether he can successfully navigate the challenges ahead and unite a divided nation. His ability to form a stable government and enact meaningful reforms will be closely watched by political observers both in France and across Europe.
