Gabriel Attal Becomes France’s Youngest-Ever Prime Minister

In a notable political shift, President Emmanuel Macron has appointed 34-year-old Gabriel Attal as France’s youngest-ever and first openly gay Prime Minister, replacing Elisabeth Borne.

Attal’s rise to this prominent position comes amidst Macron’s bid for a fresh start in the face of increasing pressure from the far right.

Attal, who previously served as the minister of education and the government spokesman, is Macron’s pick for a new leadership team as the nation struggles with political unrest brought on by a divisive immigration bill. Borne, Macron’s predecessor, resigned on Monday, raising the possibility that Macron was adjusting his team in reaction to growing tensions over the contentious bill.

The 46-year-old centrist leader Macron reaffirmed his faith in Attal’s abilities, posting on social media that he expected Attal to be dedicated to carrying out the rearmament and revitalization initiative that his administration had proposed in 2017. Macron’s choice of Attal as his nominee reflects his dedication to both innovation and continuity, which is consistent with his first term.

In response to criticism from opposition factions, members of Macron’s Renaissance party have rallied behind the appointment, highlighting Attal’s youthfulness and his potential to bring fresh perspectives to governance. Macron’s decision to elevate Attal to this significant role is seen as a strategic move to fortify his government in preparation for the forthcoming European Union elections, where the rise of far-right, anti-EU sentiments is anticipated.

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Who is Gabriel Attal?

Born in Clamart, near Paris, on March 16, 1989, Attal has a background in teaching from 2007 to 2013 at Sciences Po, the French capital. In 2016, he changed parties, leaving the Socialist Party to join Macron’s Renaissance party. From 2020 to 2022, he rose to fame as the government spokesman. He then held the position of finance minister before being appointed to the esteemed position of education minister in July.

Significant policy decisions were made during Attal’s time as education minister, such as the introduction of uniform experiments in public schools to lessen the emphasis on clothing and lower the number of bullying incidents in schools and the ban on long robes in classrooms, which was seen as a challenge to secularism.

The role of Prime Minister in France holds substantial constitutional significance, making Attal’s appointment a pivotal moment in the Macron administration. As the second-highest figure after the president, Attal is entrusted with the day-to-day governance of the French government and direct accountability to Parliament.