Michel Barnier Appointed as Prime Minister of France

Emmanuel Macron has appointed Michel Barnier as the new prime minister of France to end political stalemate after a snap election. The election resulted in a divided parliament with no absolute majority. Barnier, succeeding Gabriel Attal, is known for his long political career and recent hard stance on immigration.

Emmanuel Macron has appointed Michel Barnier, the EU’s former Brexit negotiator, as the new prime minister of France to end two months of political stalemate following a snap election.

The snap parliamentary election in June resulted in a hung parliament, with France's political landscape deeply divided.

The leftwing coalition won the most seats but failed to secure a majority, while Macron's centrist faction, the far right, and Barnier’s rightwing party made up the other substantial groups.

Barnier, aged 73 and known for his extensive career in French politics, succeeds Gabriel Attal, who resigned after the election but served as caretaker.

Marine Le Pen’s far-right National Rally and Olivier Faure's Socialist Party expressed varying responses to Barnier's appointment.

Barnier has previously taken a hard stance on immigration and security and now returns to a prominent role in French politics.