Paris – France’s youngest-ever prime minister and the first openly gay man to hold the position has been appointed. Gabriel Attal, the 34-year-old French education minister, was chosen by President Emmanuel Macron in a bid to rejuvenate his government’s waning popularity. Attal, a rising star in Macron’s Renaissance Party, has been serving as minister of education and national youth since July. He gained prominence during the pandemic as the government spokesman.
Attal’s appointment as prime minister marks a historic moment and positions him as one of the world’s most influential LGBTQ politicians. In his nomination speech, Attal outlined education, inflation, the liberalization of the French economy, and youth development as priorities for his government. He stressed the significance of education, describing it as “the mother of our battles,” and vowed to make it a top priority in his role as head of government.
President Macron expressed confidence in Attal, stating, “I know I can count on your energy and commitment.” Attal, in turn, expressed gratitude to Macron for his trust and vowed to “unleash our French potential” and “keep control of our destiny.” Attal’s political career has been ascending rapidly for someone of his age, having previously held positions in the ministry of public works and public accounts.
As prime minister, Attal will be responsible for forming a new government and advancing the president’s agenda through the passage of legislation. However, most of the power lies with the French presidency. Attal’s appointment comes after the resignation of Elisabeth Borne, whose 20-month tenure was marked by controversial retirement reforms and urban riots.
The cabinet reshuffle, which includes Attal’s appointment, is seen as a political reset by President Macron ahead of the upcoming European elections and the Paris Olympics. Attal is well-liked among the French public and has the potential to bolster support for the government. Marine Le Pen, the far-right figurehead, criticized the reshuffle, calling it a “childish ballet of ambitions and egos.”
In conclusion, Gabriel Attal’s appointment as France’s youngest-ever prime minister and the first openly gay man to hold the position marks a historic moment. President Macron has chosen him to revitalize the government’s popularity. Attal’s priorities include education, the French economy, youth development, and tackling inflation. As head of government, he will work to advance President Macron’s agenda while facing the challenges that come with the French presidency holding most of the power.