French President Emmanuel Macron appointed Michel Barnier, the European Union’s former Brexit negotiator, as his new prime minister on Thursday, after weeks of drawn out talks following an inconclusive snap election.
Barnier, 73, led the EU’s talks with Britain over its exit from the bloc from 2016 to 2021. Before that, the conservative politician held roles in various French governments and was also EU commissioner.
Macron had considered a string of potential prime ministers in recent weeks, none of which mustered enough support to guarantee a stable government. There is no guarantee Barnier’s government will manage to get reforms adopted by a hung parliament.
But at least the far-right National Rally (RN) signaled earlier on Thursday it would not immediately reject Barnier, if he met certain conditions.
Barnier is a staunch pro-European and a moderate career politician, but he toughened his discourse considerably during his failed 2021 bid to get his conservative party’s ticket for the presidential election, saying immigration was out of control – a view shared by the RN.
In a recent development, French President Emmanuel Macron has appointed Michel Barnier, the former EU Brexit negotiator, as the new prime minister. Barnier, known for his role in leading Brexit negotiations with Britain from 2016 to 2021, brings a wealth of political experience to his new position.
Macron’s decision to appoint Barnier comes after a series of unsuccessful attempts to form a stable government following an inconclusive snap election. While there are challenges ahead in getting reforms passed in a hung parliament, the far-right National Rally has shown a willingness to work with Barnier under certain conditions.
Barnier’s pro-European stance and moderate political views make him a respected figure in French politics. Despite toughening his stance on immigration during a failed presidential bid in 2021, his appointment as prime minister signifies a potential shift in government dynamics. With his background in EU negotiations and political leadership, Barnier’s tenure as prime minister is anticipated to bring new perspectives and initiatives to the French government.
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