France’s Macron Appoints Brexit Negotiator Barnier as New Prime Minister, Reports Reuters

By Elizabeth Pineau, Ingrid Melander, and Tassilo Hummel

PARIS – Following two months of political turmoil due to snap elections, French President Emmanuel Macron has appointed Michel Barnier as prime minister. Barnier, the former chief negotiator for Brexit, has emphasized his intention to work collaboratively with various political factions while providing little insight into his specific plans.

As a conservative figure with a relatively low public profile in France, despite having served in several ministerial roles, Barnier faces the significant task of navigating complex legislation like the 2025 budget in a parliament that lacks a clear majority. His position is precarious, with the potential for political instability looming.

The support of Marine Le Pen’s far-right National Rally (RN) will be crucial for Barnier’s tenure, as the party has indicated its conditional backing. Le Pen’s party has made it clear that it could withdraw support if its concerns regarding immigration, security, and economic issues are not addressed.

In his first speech at the Matignon prime minister’s residence, Barnier stated that his administration would tackle "the challenges, the anger, the suffering, the feeling of abandonment, and injustice" prevalent in various regions of France.

At the age of 73, Barnier becomes the oldest prime minister in modern French history, succeeding Gabriel Attal, who was the youngest. His appointment follows a challenging period where Macron took two months to find a suitable candidate after the elections resulted in a fragmented parliament.

Barnier outlined key priorities including healthcare, security, job creation, and managing the country’s debt. He acknowledged the French public’s demand for respect, unity, and healing.

The leftist coalition that emerged from the elections, having secured the most seats but without an outright majority, has vowed to oppose Barnier’s government. Notably, hard-left leader Jean-Luc Mélenchon accused the government of stealing the election from the people and has called for protests.

RN member Laurent Jacobelli stated that the party’s decision to support Barnier would depend on the dissolution of parliament by early July next year. Jordan Bardella, the RN’s president, insisted that the concerns of the far right must be taken seriously or they would explore all political avenues available.

As a pro-European moderate, Barnier had previously modified his rhetoric significantly when he sought his party’s presidential nomination in 2021, expressing growing concerns about immigration.

Barnier began his political career at the age of 27 and has sat in several French governments, including roles as foreign minister and agriculture minister. He spent much of the last 15 years working within the EU framework, leading negotiations with the UK over its departure from the union.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz offered Barnier his best wishes for success, and EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen acknowledged his commitment to serving both Europe and France.

Macron considered various candidates for the prime minister position, but none were able to guarantee a stable government. Following Barnier’s appointment, French bank stocks rose, government borrowing costs decreased slightly, and the euro strengthened, indicating a positive response from the financial markets.

Moving forward, attention will be on Barnier’s choice of ministers, which will require Macron’s approval. Political analysis firms suggest that while some members from the previous government may remain, Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire is not expected to continue in his role. The selection of Barnier’s finance minister will be pivotal for assuring both European institutions and the financial markets that France can effectively navigate its current political and fiscal challenges.