Gabriel Attal Becomes France’s Youngest Prime Minister at Age 34

Gabriel Attal, 34, has been appointed France’s youngest and first openly gay prime minister by Emmanuel Macron. Attal has worked closely with Macron as an education minister and is expected to reinvigorate the government at a time of right-wing pressure against them.

The move comes after the previous prime minister, Élisabeth Borne, resigned after 20 months in office, struggling with a lack of majority in parliament.

Attal’s Background

During his time as education minister, Attal was the youngest person to hold office in the 5th Republic and received praise for reforming schools and colleges. He ended September’s row over Muslim abaya robes by simply banning them in schools. He also led a campaign against bullying at the elite École alsacienne in Paris and promised to shake up education by introducing a school uniform policy.

Challenges Ahead

Attal now has the task of leading France into the European Parliament elections in June. The Renaissance party he represents does not have a majority in the National Assembly, France’s equivalent of the House of Commons in the UK. This means deals must be struck with parties, including the National Rally, headed by Marine Le Pen. She is the current favourite to take over from Macron in 2027, when he is forced to step down after two terms.

Ministerial Reshuffle

Attal’s appointment is hoped to spring new life into the government, and there is now expected to be a widespread ministerial reshuffle. However, Attal and any reshuffle will face the same problems as his predecessor, Élisabeth Borne. The president sets policies in France, and the prime minister is responsible for day-to-day government management.

Latest News

For the latest news, feel-good stories, analysis, and more, readers can check out the website’s news page.