Michel Barnier, the former chief Brexit negotiator for the EU, has been appointed as France's new prime minister, according to the French president's office. This decision comes after a two-month stalemate following inconclusive parliamentary elections.
The Élysée Palace announced on Thursday that Barnier has been tasked with forming a united government to serve the country and its people. His appointment follows an extensive cycle of consultations aimed at ensuring a stable government.
At 73 years old, Barnier, a staunch Europhile, is a member of the Republicans party representing the traditional right in France. He is widely recognized for his role in mediating the United Kingdom's exit from the European Union.
With a political career spanning over 40 years, Barnier has held various ministerial positions in France, including foreign, agriculture, and environment ministries. He has also served as a European commissioner and as an adviser to the President of the European Commission.
Despite announcing his bid for presidential elections in 2021, Barnier failed to secure enough support within his party. His appointment as prime minister comes after the resignation of former Prime Minister Gabriel Attal and his government in July, following a defeat in France's snap parliamentary election.
While Barnier's ability to form a stable government remains uncertain, the far-right National Rally (RN) party, one of the largest in parliament, has indicated a willingness to work with him. However, some within the RN have expressed skepticism, with one politician criticizing the return of long-standing figures in French politics.
Barnier's reputation as a tough negotiator was solidified during the UK's Brexit negotiations, which lasted from 2016 to 2021. Born in 1951 in Grenoble, Barnier began his political career at a young age, being elected to parliament at 27.
