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French President Emmanuel Macron appointed Michel Barnier as France’s new prime minister, seeking to resolve the political turmoil resulting from the deeply divided National Assembly.

Barnier, 73, a veteran conservative and former European Union Brexit negotiator, now faces the monumental task of steering the government through a fractured parliament and addressing the country’s mounting challenges.

Barnier replaces Gabriel Attal, who served as France’s youngest and first openly gay prime minister, leaving after just eight months in office. Attal’s departure followed Macron’s unsuccessful gamble in calling for early legislative elections, which resulted in a hung parliament, leaving the government without a clear majority. Attal, 34, resigned after being unable to stabilize the situation, with political tensions boiling over.

Who is Michel Barnier?

Barnier’s appointment comes after weeks of speculation and consultation by Macron. The French presidency said Barnier was chosen “with the task of forming a unifying government to serve the country and the French people.” However, his appointment has already drawn criticism from left-leaning parties and opposition figures. French media and Macron’s opponents have highlighted Barnier’s conservative voting record, including his stance against the 1981 law that decriminalized homosexuality.

In his first interview after taking office, Barnier indicated he would maintain several of Macron’s policies while hardening the government’s stance on key issues like immigration. “There still is a feeling that our borders are sieves and that migration flows aren’t being controlled,” Barnier said, signaling a shift to the right on immigration, an issue that has long divided France.

Despite Macron’s hopes, Barnier faces an uphill battle with a hung parliament. The National Assembly is split among Macron’s centrist coalition, the far-right National Rally (RN) led by Marine Le Pen, and the left-wing New Popular Front (NFP). The left has already accused Macron of ignoring the election results, with Jean-Luc Mélenchon’s France Unbowed (LFI) party leading the charge. The NFP came out on top in the July elections, but Macron chose to appoint Barnier, a conservative, instead of a left-leaning candidate, exacerbating political tensions.

Criticism and protests

In response to Barnier’s appointment, thousands of protesters took to the streets across France on Saturday. Left-wing parties, unions, and student organizations organized over 130 protests, calling the decision a denial of democracy. Many argue that Macron has undermined the will of voters by bypassing the left and appointing a conservative figure to lead the government. A recent poll by Elabe showed that 74% of French people believe Macron disregarded the election results, with 55% accusing him of “stealing” the election.

As prime minister, Barnier must now try to secure support from various parliamentary groups to pass key legislation, including the crucial 2025 budget, which will be discussed in early October. Failure to do so could lead to a vote of no confidence and an early end to his tenure. “We need to open the door to all those who want it,” Barnier said, stressing the need for cooperation across political lines.

France’s political landscape has been turbulent since the June elections, which saw Macron’s government lose its majority. This marks a significant shift in the country’s Fifth Republic, where prime ministers have traditionally commanded majority support. For Barnier, balancing the demands of the divided legislature will be a defining challenge, with both the left and the far right holding the power to topple his government.

The left and the far right have already vowed to oppose Macron’s pension reforms, a controversial policy that raised the retirement age from 62 to 64. Barnier has made it clear he will not repeal the law, although he is willing to adjust it to protect “the most vulnerable.” The National Rally, while initially supportive of Barnier’s nomination, has warned that it could withdraw its backing if concerns over immigration, security, and economic issues are not addressed.

The stakes for Barnier’s administration are high. France is under pressure from the European Commission and bond markets to reduce its budget deficit. The newly appointed prime minister’s ability to navigate the complex political environment will be closely watched, as any misstep could lead to further instability in the country.

As Michel Barnier takes on the role of France’s prime minister, the nation’s political future hangs in the balance, with no guarantees of calm in the deeply divided parliament.