On Thursday, President Emmanuel Macron appointed Michel Barnier, the EU’s former Brexit negotiator, as France’s new Prime Minister, ending over 50 days of a caretaker authorities. The 73-year-old Barnier’s appointment comes after weeks of intense efforts by Macron and his crew to establish a candidate able to rallying help in parliament and withstanding potential makes an attempt by the opposition to swiftly deliver down the newly-formed authorities, which Barnier will now lead.
Barnier succeeds Gabriel Attal, who stepped down on July 16 after snap legislative elections resulted in a divided and hung parliament, throwing France into political uncertainty. A press release from Macron’s workplace confirmed Barnier’s appointment, stating he has been entrusted “with forming a unifying authorities to serve the nation and the French folks.”
“This appointment comes after an unprecedented cycle of consultations throughout which, in accordance together with his constitutional responsibility, the president ensured that the prime minister and the longer term authorities would meet the situations to be as steady as attainable and provides themselves the possibilities of uniting as broadly as attainable,” the assertion stated.
Who Is Michel Barnier?
Michel Barnier is a seasoned politician with deep satisfaction in his humble origins in France’s Alpine area of Haute-Savoie. Born on January 9, 1951, Barnier has had an extended and distinguished profession in each French and European politics. He gained worldwide recognition because the European Union’s chief negotiator throughout the advanced Brexit negotiations with the UK.
Over a political profession spanning greater than 50 years, Barnier has held numerous key roles, together with French Minister of International Affairs, European Affairs, Setting, and Agriculture, in addition to serving twice as a European Commissioner. Regardless of his intensive expertise, he had by no means pursued a management place like president or prime minister—till now.
French Ministerial Roles: Barnier has held a number of outstanding ministerial positions in France. He served as Minister of the Setting (1993–1995), Minister of European Affairs (1995–1997), and Minister of International Affairs (2004–2005). He was additionally Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries (2007–2009).
EU Commissioner: Barnier has had a big presence in European politics, serving as European Commissioner for Regional Coverage (1999–2004) and later as Commissioner for Inside Market and Providers (2010–2014). His work targeted on monetary regulation after the 2008 world monetary disaster.
Brexit Negotiator: Barnier gained worldwide prominence because the EU’s chief Brexit negotiator from 2016 to 2021, main advanced and sometimes contentious negotiations with the UK to safe a deal that maintained the EU’s pursuits throughout the UK’s departure.
