French President Emmanuel Macron, 46, has chosen Gabriel Attal, 34, Education Minister, as his new prime minister.
Macron hopes this move will bring new energy to his second term and improve his centrist party’s chances in the upcoming European parliament elections. While it might not lead to significant political changes, it signals Macron’s attempt to move past last year’s unpopular reforms on pensions and immigration.
Attal, a well-known ally of Macron who gained popularity as the government spokesperson during the COVID pandemic, will take over from the outgoing Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne. He is also the first openly gay minister to be appointed as Prime Minister of France.
Attal, considered one of the country’s most popular politicians, is known for his effective communication skills on radio shows and in parliament. Macron expressed confidence in Attal’s ability to implement the revitalization and regeneration project he announced.
Attal will be France’s youngest prime minister and the first openly gay person to hold the position. Despite facing challenges in a more turbulent parliament, Macron aims to maintain his popularity through this appointment.
While some opposition leaders doubt the impact of the change in the prime minister, others see Attal as a figure reminiscent of the early Macron era in 2017.
Macron’s decision is seen as an attempt to hold onto public favor and address challenges in the later part of his presidency.
