French President, Emmanuel Macron, has appointed Gabriel Attal, 34, as France’s new Prime Minister, marking a significant shift and making Attal the youngest and first openly gay head of government in the country’s history.
Following the resignation of Elisabeth Borne, Macron accepted the entire government’s resignation after their two-year tenure.
This decision precedes major events like the Olympic Games in Paris and upcoming European parliament elections, where Macron’s centrist party faces challenges against the far-right led by Marine Le Pen.
This reshuffle aims to revitalize Macron’s leadership in the final three years of his presidency, starting with Attal’s appointment as prime minister.
Nicknamed ‘Baby Macron,’ Attal, who was previously the education minister, brings a contrasting style to the position compared to Borne’s stern demeanor.
Despite her respect among colleagues, Borne lacked public popularity, whereas Attal enjoys significant public support due to his impactful tenure in education.
Attal’s promotion, anticipated after Borne’s resignation, stirred talks of discontent within influential government circles.
However, according, AFP, sources close to these figures, including Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin and Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire, vehemently denied any tensions.
Borne, in her resignation letter to Macron, expressed passion for her role, hinting at her willingness to continue.
Analysts perceive this reshuffle as vital to rejuvenating Macron’s presidency after facing multiple crises and aiming to prevent him from becoming an ineffective leader in the last three years of his term.
While ineligible for the 2027 presidential elections, Macron’s government restructuring is deemed crucial to counter Marine Le Pen’s presidential bid.
Credit: AFP
