French President Emmanuel Macron has appointed Michel Barnier, the former European Union Brexit negotiator, as his new prime minister. Barnier, 73, is a seasoned conservative politician who led the EU’s negotiations with Britain from 2016 to 2021 during its departure from the bloc. His political career spans several key roles in French governments, as well as serving as an EU Commissioner, marking him as a highly experienced figure in both national and European politics. This appointment follows weeks of protracted discussions after an inconclusive snap election.

In the weeks leading up to Barnier’s appointment, President Macron had explored several potential candidates for the role of prime minister. However, none were able to secure the necessary support to ensure a stable government. Despite Barnier’s extensive experience, there is no certainty that his administration will be able to push through key reforms in the face of a hung parliament.

The far-right National Rally (RN), now one of the largest parties in parliament following the early July election, indicated on Thursday that it would not immediately oppose Barnier’s appointment, provided he met certain conditions. Although Barnier is a pro-European and a moderate politician by background, his rhetoric took a notably tougher stance during his unsuccessful bid for the 2021 conservative presidential nomination, particularly on immigration, which he described as being out of control—a position aligning with the views of the RN.

Macron’s decision to call a snap parliamentary election in June proved to be a miscalculation, as his centrist coalition lost several seats, and no party secured an outright majority. The left-wing New Popular Front alliance emerged as the largest bloc, but Macron dismissed the possibility of inviting them to form a government, knowing that other parties had vowed to vote it down immediately.

Instead, Macron delayed his decision for several weeks before making his choice. However, even if political deadlock persists despite the formation of a new government, he is unable to call another snap election until July of the following year.

“The RN wants a prime minister who is committed to dissolving as soon as possible and establishing proportional representation (for parliamentary elections),” Jacobelli told TF1.

The RN remained lukewarm in its support for Barnier.

“They are taking out of mothballs those who have governed France for 40 years,” Jacobelli said.

Image source: Skynews