Macron Appoints Michel Barnier Amidst Political Unrest

French President Emmanuel Macron has appointed Michel Barnier, the EU's former Brexit negotiator, as the new prime minister. This decision follows an inconclusive snap election and weeks of political uncertainty. Barnier faces challenges, including a hung parliament and the far-right National Rally's conditional support.

French President Emmanuel Macron has appointed Michel Barnier, the European Union's former Brexit negotiator, as the new prime minister, after a lengthy period of political impasse following an inconclusive snap election.

Barnier, aged 73, who played a key role in negotiating Britain’s exit from the EU, will have to navigate a hung parliament and the strong presence of the far-right National Rally (RN) party. The RN has expressed conditional willingness to support Barnier, based on his stance on immigration and parliamentary reforms.

Macron's decision to call an early election backfired, weakening his centrist coalition. Despite forming a new government, political paralysis could persist until at least July next year, limiting the options for immediate reforms.