Michel Barnier Named French Prime Minister Amid Political Gridlock

French President Emmanuel Macron has appointed Michel Barnier as the country’s new prime minister, following two months of political deadlock after snap elections. Barnier, 73, is a seasoned politician and the former EU chief Brexit negotiator, known for his leadership in the UK-EU talks from 2016 to 2019. A veteran of the right-wing Republicans (LR) party, he now faces the challenge of forming a government in a deeply divided National Assembly.

The appointment follows weeks of consultation by Macron, who had called for a “political truce” during the Paris Olympics. Barnier’s task will be to build a coalition that can navigate the assembly’s three major political blocs, none of which has a clear majority.

Despite Barnier’s reputation, the choice has stirred controversy, particularly within the left-wing New Popular Front (NFP), which won the most seats in the July elections. Jean-Luc Mélenchon, leader of the radical France Unbowed (LFI), criticized the decision, accusing Macron of ignoring the will of the French people by selecting a prime minister from a party that finished last in the election.