Michel Barnier has been appointed the new French Prime Minister by President Macron

French President Emmanuel Macron has appointed Michel Barnier as the new Prime Minister, nearly two months after France’s snap elections resulted in a political deadlock. Barnier, 73, is the former EU chief Brexit negotiator and a veteran of the right-wing Republicans party with a long political career.

Barnier, known as Monsieur Brexit, will be France’s oldest prime minister since the Fifth Republic began in 1958, succeeding Gabriel Attal, who has served as caretaker since July. Macron’s choice comes after a period of extensive consultation and aims to ensure stability and unity in a National Assembly divided into three major blocs.

Barnier will need to form a government capable of navigating a fragmented political landscape. His appointment has sparked criticism, especially from the left-wing New Popular Front (NFP), which won the most seats in the July election. Jean-Luc Mélenchon of France Unbowed has condemned the choice as undermining the election results, while Jordan Bardella of the National Rally has called for Barnier to address key issues like the cost of living, security, and immigration.

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