Former Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier appointed as new Prime Minister by France’s Macron

President Macron has named Michel Barnier, the former EU Brexit negotiator, as France’s new prime minister after over 50 days of a caretaker government following snap elections. Macron hopes Barnier can form a new government and end the political deadlock that has plagued the country. Barnier, a right-winger from the Republicans party, faces the challenge of pushing reforms and the 2025 budget through a hung parliament. Macron’s centrist coalition lost seats in the elections, making it difficult to form a majority government. Macron is banking on the far-right National Rally not to block Barnier’s appointment, as other parties have already indicated they would. The appointment follows weeks of efforts by Macron to find a candidate who can build support in parliament. Greens leader Marine Tondelier criticized Macron for submitting to Marine Le Pen, who leads the National Rally. Left-wing leader Jean-Luc Melenchon accused Macron of stealing the election from the French by choosing Barnier. Barnier will face scrutiny from parliament when he addresses the members, with his ability to garner support from both sides of the political spectrum crucial for the success of Macron’s government.

Source
Photo credit www.aljazeera.com