French President Emmanuel Macron recently named Michel Barnier as his new prime minister following a two-month political deadlock. Barnier, a loyal veteran of the right-wing Republican Right party, brings a wealth of political experience to his new position, having served as European Commissioner and the chief EU negotiator for Brexit. His appointment comes after weeks of political wrangling following July’s snap parliamentary elections, with Barnier now facing a no-confidence vote in the National Assembly. Born into a family of leather craftsmen in Savoie, Barnier began his political career at a young age, eventually serving as a ministerial advisor, National Assembly MP, and various ministerial roles in the French government.
Barnier’s political journey has taken him back and forth between Paris and Brussels, culminating in high-profile positions such as EU Commissioner for Regional Policy, Minister for European Affairs, and Commissioner for Internal Market and Services. His involvement in key European issues such as the Maastricht Treaty, the creation of the euro, and the negotiation of free movement across the bloc has solidified his reputation as a leader in shaping the European project. Despite unsuccessful attempts to become President of the European Commission, Barnier’s role as the EU’s chief Brexit negotiator gained him significant praise and admiration within EU circles for his handling of the complex and contentious negotiations.
In 2021, Barnier announced his intention to stand in the French presidential election the following year, but eventually failed to secure enough support from the Republican party, leading to his current nomination as prime minister. The challenging political landscape in France, characterized by a fragmented National Assembly divided into left-wing, centrist, and far-right blocs, presents a significant hurdle for Macron in finding a prime minister who can rally enough support to govern effectively. Opposition leaders such as Jean-Luc Mélenchon and Jordan Bardella have expressed dissatisfaction with Barnier’s appointment, highlighting concerns about the legitimacy of the process and the lack of collaboration between political factions.
As Barnier prepares to face a no-confidence vote and navigate a turbulent political climate in France, his first task will be to secure enough support in parliament to ensure his appointment as prime minister. With three near-equal blocs in the National Assembly refusing to work together, Macron’s choice of Barnier has sparked controversy and opposition from various parties. Despite the challenges ahead, Barnier’s extensive experience in European politics and his leadership in Brexit negotiations position him as a capable and seasoned politician who may be able to navigate the complexities of French governance and lead the country through its current political crisis.
