Former Eu Brexit Negotiator Michel Barnier Named New French Prime Minister

Michel Barnier Appointed as France's New Prime Minister

Key Points

1. Former EU Brexit negotiator Michel Barnier appointed as new French prime minister.
2. Barnier brings decades of diplomatic experience to the role.
3. His appointment comes amid a period of political and economic uncertainty in France.

Background

Michel Barnier is a French politician and diplomat who served as the European Union's chief negotiator for Brexit from 2019 to 2020. He has held various ministerial positions in the French government, including Minister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries.

Barnier is a member of the conservative Les Républicains party. He is a graduate of the École Nationale d'Administration (ENA), France's elite civil service school.

Appointment as Prime Minister

Barnier's appointment as prime minister was announced by French President Emmanuel Macron on May 16, 2023. He replaces Jean Castex, who resigned earlier in the day.

Macron said that he chose Barnier because of his "experience, competence, and commitment to France." He added that Barnier is "the right person to lead the country through this difficult period."

Challenges

Barnier faces a number of challenges as prime minister. The French economy is struggling, and the country is facing high levels of unemployment.

Barnier will also need to address the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. France has been one of the hardest-hit countries in Europe, and the virus is still circulating widely.

Conclusion

Michel Barnier's appointment as prime minister is a significant development in French politics. He brings a wealth of experience to the role, and he will be tasked with addressing a number of challenges facing the country.