Macron appoints ex-Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier as French PM
French President Emmanuel Macron has appointed Michel Barnier, the European Union's former Brexit negotiator, as his new prime minister. The decision comes after weeks of protracted discussions following an inconclusive snap election. Barnier, a 73-year-old conservative politician, is known for leading the EU's negotiations with Britain over its exit from the bloc from 2016-2021.
Barnier's appointment amid political uncertainty
Barnier's appointment comes at a time of political uncertainty in France, with Macron struggling to form a stable government. The French president had considered several potential prime ministers, but none garnered enough support to ensure a stable government. There is no guarantee that Barnier's government will be able to get reforms adopted by a hung parliament.
Far-right National Rally's stance on Barnier
The far-right National Rally (RN), one of the largest parties in parliament following the early July election, has indicated that it would not immediately reject Barnier if he met certain conditions. RN lawmaker Sebastien Chenu stated that the party would wait to see what Barnier has to say on immigration and changing France's voting system. Another RN lawmaker, Laurent Jacobelli, said a condition was that parliament be dissolved as soon as possible—which would be early July.
Barnier's political stance and Macron's election gamble
Barnier is a staunch pro-European and a moderate career politician. However, he toughened his discourse considerably during his failed 2021 bid to get his conservative party's ticket for the presidential election, saying immigration was out of control - a view shared by the RN. Macron's gamble to call the snap parliamentary election in June backfired, with his centrist coalition losing dozens of seats and no party winning an absolute majority.
