President Emmanuel Macron appointed Michel Barnier, the former EU Brexit negotiator and veteran right-wing politician, France’s new prime minister. The move aims to resolve the political deadlock that has plagued the country following inconclusive snap parliamentary elections nearly two months ago.
The appointment comes after weeks of stalled negotiations and consultations with political leaders following inconclusive snap parliamentary elections in July. Macron had been under increasing pressure to name a new prime minister, with criticism mounting over the delay.
French presidency confirmed Barnier’s selection on Thursday, stating that he had been “entrusted with the task of forming a unity government to serve the country and the French people.”
Barnier’s appointment is expected to anger the New Popular Front, an alliance of left-wing parties that performed better than expected in the parliamentary elections, securing the most seats. Their candidate for prime minister, Lucie Castets, a relatively unknown civil servant, was rejected by Macron in favour of Barnier.
Macron’s decision to bring in Barnier is seen as an attempt to build a coalition government, but it may deepen divisions in an already fragmented political landscape. Now, Barnier faces the challenge of bringing together opposing political factions to form a stable government capable of tackling the country’s pressing issues.
