By Paul de Neuville, Paris correspondent, for Eurasia Business News, September 5, 2024. Article No 1212.
Michel Barnier has been appointed today as the new Prime Minister of France by President Emmanuel Macron, following a period of political deadlock after inconclusive parliamentary elections in early July.
Barnier, who is 73 years old French politician and former minister, is notably recognized for his role as the European Union’s chief negotiator during the Brexit process from 2016 to 2021. His appointment aims to bring stability to the French government amid a fragmented parliament that emerged from the recent elections, where no party secured a clear majority.
Background and Political Career
Barnier is a seasoned politician affiliated with the Republicans party, which aligns with traditional right-wing values. He has held various ministerial positions throughout his career, including Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Agriculture, and Minister of the Environment.
Additionally, he has served twice as a European Commissioner, showcasing his extensive experience in both French and European politics.
His appointment follows the resignation of the previous Prime Minister, Gabriel Attal, and comes after a series of consultations aimed at forming a cohesive government. Barnier’s task now includes assembling a cabinet and navigating the challenges posed by a divided National Assembly, where he must secure support from various political factions to advance reforms and manage the national budget effectively.
Challenges Ahead
Barnier’s ability to form a stable government is uncertain, especially given the presence of the leftist New Popular Front, which emerged as a significant force in the recent elections, and the far-right National Rally, which has expressed skepticism about his leadership capabilities. He will need to address these political dynamics while also responding to economic pressures from the European Commission and bond markets regarding France’s fiscal policies.
It will be difficult for the new Prime Minister and his government to resist votes of censure or obstruction by a de facto coalition between the NFP (left) and the RN (nationalist right). The vote on the finance law for the year 2025 promises to be epic. The budget must be adopted before December 31, 2024. The new Barnier government may not last until July 2025, when the National Assembly is likely to be dissolved again by President Macron, as authorized by the Constitution of October 4, 1958.
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