After Negotiating Brexit, Michel Barnier Assigned to Support Macron – Reuters

By Gabriel Stargardter

PARIS – After gaining prominence through his role in the complex Brexit negotiations, French Prime Minister Michel Barnier is now tasked with addressing the challenges posed by a deeply divided political landscape in France.

President Emmanuel Macron appointed Barnier, 73, as his prime minister, concluding a lengthy search following a poorly timed decision to call a snap legislative election, which resulted in a chaotic hung parliament. This was a crucial selection for Macron, especially with increasing doubts about his ability to complete his second term until 2027.

Barnier, a seasoned conservative politician who previously served as the European Union’s negotiator during the Brexit talks, faces a significant challenge ahead. He must navigate critical budget legislation, including painful spending cuts, through a parliament that lacks consensus.

The appointment seems to have been well received by investors, as government borrowing costs dipped slightly and the euro strengthened.

Macron’s choice of Barnier indicates his perception that the recent election has produced a parliament with a center-right inclination, despite an initial leftist alliance formed to prevent the far-right from gaining power. In response, leftist groups criticized the appointment as a "democratic coup" and announced plans for protests.

Importantly, Barnier has garnered tentative support from Marine Le Pen’s far-right National Rally party, but this support comes with conditions, meaning Barnier will likely be under pressure from multiple factions.

"We will advocate for urgent issues affecting the French people—cost of living, security, and immigration—to be promptly addressed, and we reserve the right to take all necessary political actions if they are not," tweeted Jordan Bardella, the RN’s party president.

Born in 1951 near Grenoble, Barnier began his political career as a lawmaker at age 27 and has held various prominent positions in French government, including foreign minister and agriculture minister. He has extensive experience in the EU, serving in roles such as regional policy commissioner and internal market commissioner.

During the Brexit negotiations, Barnier became a controversial figure for Britain’s anti-EU factions, who depicted him as a symbol of Brussels’ rule enforcement. Veteran Brexit advocate Nigel Farage labeled him an "EU fanatic" following the announcement of Barnier’s appointment.

After Brexit, Barnier shifted his focus back to French politics, though he failed in a 2021 bid to secure the presidency for the center-right Republicans, despite taking a tougher stance on issues like immigration.

Scrutiny will inevitably fall on Barnier’s relationship with Macron. Macron’s aides have indicated the president wanted a prime minister who could challenge him at times, but he also seeks to protect his legislative accomplishments, which include a contentious pension reform and significant tax cuts for individuals and businesses.

Some observers are skeptical about Barnier’s willingness to resist Macron’s agenda. A Communist Party representative remarked that Barnier appeared to be merely a slightly older and taller version of the president.

Barnier may also need to reconsider some of his previous positions. Earlier this year, he characterized Le Pen’s restrained support for Brexit as "political opportunism," emphasizing that there should be no complacency against the far-right’s anti-European sentiments.

Additionally, Barnier openly expressed doubts about Macron’s political future, stating in a 2022 interview that "Macronism… is set to disappear in 2027."

With Barnier’s appointment, Macron is likely hoping to delay that outcome.