Gabriel Attal speaking at a podium

Khushboo Malhotra

Gabriel Attal has become France’s youngest-ever Prime Minister, as Macron attempts to rejuvenate his second term as President.

Attal, 34, is expected to breathe new life into Macron’s centrist Renaissance party, limiting any possible gains for the far right ahead of the European Parliament elections in June.

A rising political star and close Macron ally, Attal gained prominence as the government spokesman during the COVID-19 pandemic.

His role as education minister as well as his popular appeal within the Renaissance party made Attal an obvious replacement for Elisabeth Borne, who resigned in January amidst political turbulence regarding immigration law and the government’s deportation capabilities.

Why Does France Have A President And A Prime Minister?

The French president is elected directly by voters and serves for five years.

The president is responsible for appointing the Prime Minister with the approval of parliament, meaning that the PM almost always comes from the party that is in power.

The president holds substantial authority in foreign and European affairs, serving as head of state and the commander-in-chief of the armed forces. The Prime Minister is considered the head of government, responsible for domestic policy and day-to-day governance.

Who Is Gabriel Attal?

In just 13 years, Attal has gone from being an obscure intern to holding the second-highest office in France – and is now considered an obvious successor to Emmanuel Macron himself.

“I love my country, I want to meet the expectations of my fellow citizens […] and solve problems.”

Formerly affiliated with the Socialist Party, Attal joined Macron’s political movement in 2016. He gained prominence as a government spokesperson from 2020 to 2022. 

Following this, he served as Budget Minister and secured the prestigious position of Education Minister in July.

During his tenure, Attal implemented a number of significant reforms, including banning long robes in classrooms and planning uniform experiments in selected public schools to combat school bullying.

In a recent appearance on the French commercial television network TF1, Attal candidly shared his personal experience of bullying during middle school, citing instances of homophobic harassment.

When asked about his young age, as critics pointed to his relative lack of experience, Attal responded: “I love my country, I want to meet the expectations of my fellow citizens […] and solve problems. Of course, it’s difficult. I feel ready to do it. What I want is action, action, action. Results, results, results.”

Attal held his first cabinet meeting just three days into his premiership, initiating a dynamic chapter in French governance and bringing a fresh perspective to the political landscape.

The ministerial team, announced with only one major change at the foreign ministry, currently comprises 15 members – eight men and seven women. Four are new to a government under Macron’s presidency.

These four individuals, including Catherine Vautrin, Rachida Dati, Marie Lebec and Stéphane Séjourné, have already had political duties. But this is the first time that they have been appointed to a ministerial position under President Macron.

Political analysts have argued that Attal’s new cabinet is considerably more right-wing than previous ones under President Emmanuel Macron.

What Is Macron’s Aim?

The reappointment of the Prime Minister comes at a critical time for President Macron, who faces unrest across the country in light of pension reforms and new immigration policies.

Ahead of the European elections, Macron appears to be fashioning a government that will address the public’s biggest concerns, namely the cost of living, immigration, and the practice of Islam.

Attal prioritises education, security, and unemployment. He holds a unique position as the first openly gay official to hold the position of Prime Minister.

His appointment signals Macron’s commitment to fostering a new generation of leaders and a progressive wave in French politics.

In a post on X (previously known as Twitter), Macron expressed his confidence in Attal, stating: “Dear Gabriel, I know I can count on your energy and commitment to implement the rearmament and regeneration project I have announced. In the spirit of 2017: exceeding and boldness. At the service of the Nation and the French.“

As Macron and Attal embark on this political reset, all eyes remain on France. This marks a new chapter in French government dynamics, both domestically and internationally.

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Featured image courtesy of DigiWorld Summit via Flickr. No changes were made to this image. Image licence found here.

Khushboo is a Twitter Editor at Empoword Journalism. She is an Award-nominated lifestyle and pop culture journalist, writer, and budding entrepreneur aiming to break down the boundaries of cultural stigma and shame attached to mental health and sexual health and bring marginalised topics to light. Send your stories, tips, and press announcements to khushboomalhotrafreelance@gmail.com

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