Michel Barnier, a political veteran, has recently been nominated as the new French Prime Minister, receiving a well-deserved round of accolades from his former colleagues in Brussels. European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, and European Council President Charles Michel all expressed their confidence in Barnier’s abilities and wished him success in his new role. Former European Commission president Jean Claude Juncker also praised Barnier’s skills as a negotiator during his time as the EU’s Brexit negotiator, highlighting his talent, preparation, and ability to bring people together.
Barnier’s appointment as French Prime Minister came as a surprise to many, as Macron’s initial choices were from different political backgrounds. However, Macron ultimately chose Barnier to create a unifying government in France. Despite his previous failed attempt to secure his party’s nomination for president and his shift to the populist right during that campaign, Barnier is seen as a moderate, capable of bridging political divides. Juncker believes that Barnier, with his experience negotiating with coalition governments across Europe, has the potential to bring together opposing sides in France.
Barnier’s role as the EU’s chief Brexit negotiator was a crucial time for the union, as Brexit was considered an existential moment for the EU. At a time when there were concerns about the unity of the EU and the possibility of other member states following the UK’s lead, Barnier managed to keep the 27 member states united. His ability to steer the ship after the shock of Brexit in 2016 was seen as a significant achievement, as it ensured that the EU remained strong and united during a challenging period.
Despite his lack of a significant profile in France and his previous unsuccessful bid for the French presidency, Barnier’s return to the forefront of European politics as the new French Prime Minister is seen as a remarkable comeback. His nomination has been met with admiration and support from his former colleagues in Brussels, who believe in his ability to lead France through this critical time. By leveraging his negotiation skills, experience, and moderate political stance, Barnier is expected to work towards uniting conflicting political factions in France.
Some of his attempts to align with populist right-wing views were noticed during his ill-fated presidential campaign, but the focus is now on how he can use his skills to bring people together in the face of growing political divides in France. Barnier’s time as the EU’s Brexit negotiator showcased his ability to navigate complex negotiations and keep the EU united during a tumultuous period. As he takes on his new role, Barnier will face the challenge of addressing the pressing issues facing France while also being mindful of the broader implications for the European project. His colleagues in Brussels have expressed their confidence in his leadership and look forward to seeing how he will approach this new chapter in his political career.
