On Tuesday, at the age of 34, popular Education Minister Gabriel Attal became the youngest head of government in the history of the French Republic and also the first openly homosexual person. This came after a ministerial reshuffle intended to breathe new life into Emmanuel Macron's presidency.
• Also read: France: Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne resigns
“Dear Gabriel Attal, I know that I can count on your energy and commitment in implementing the rearmament and regeneration project that I announced,” the French head of state further praised
Darling @GabrielAttalI know I can count on your energy and commitment to implement the upgrade and regeneration project I announced. In keeping with the spirit of 2017: superiority and boldness. In the service of the nation and the French.
— Emmanuel Macron (@EmmanuelMacron) January 9, 2024
Originally hoped for Monday evening, it took a very long time for this date, which was made official by the Élysée Palace, to materialize. A delay that fueled speculation about possible internal resistance.
Three years before the end of his second term, the head of state finds himself in a delicate situation given the ongoing breakthrough of the extreme right in the country and the lack of an absolute majority in the National Assembly.
Since his re-election in 2022, Macron has also faced growing discontent, manifested in the passage of pension reform and, more recently, a highly controversial immigration law.
Gabriel Attal, who entered the government in 2018 and enjoyed a spectacular rise, was described as a “good student” or even “the best incarnation of the Macronist DNA” and, to the surprise of everyone, ended up succeeding Élisabeth Borne in Matignon by his resignation late Monday afternoon.
Precarious balance
The new prime minister, a Macronist from the start and making no secret of his homosexuality, had become the most popular figure in the government and in the majority, convincing one in two French people, while more than a third of them called for his nomination to Matignon in one current study.
In France, the president generally sets the general guidelines for the five-year term, while his prime minister, who is responsible for implementing the program and running the government on a day-to-day basis, generally pays the price in the event of turmoil.
After days of tension and persistent rumors about an impending departure, 62-year-old Élisabeth Borne finally had to vacate her post. During her 20 months in Matignon, she had served as a starter on several occasions and had demonstrated her resilience by managing to pass difficult legislation and overcome nearly thirty motions of no confidence in the Assembly.
The choice of his successor is anything but neutral when it comes to maintaining the precarious balance of the presidential camp, which has recently been undermined by disagreements over immigration law, while many fear a renewed rightward shift in the executive branch.
After two terms in office, Emmanuel Macron will not be able to run again in 2027 and it will be crucial to prevent the far right's figurehead, Marine Le Pen, from taking over the presidency.
“Codebreaker”
For the constitutional lawyer Benjamin Morel, the election of this personality also symbolizes a “very offensive strategy with a view to the European elections” in June, in which a victory for the extreme right is expected in France.
Gabriel Attal embodies “youth, ambition, in the background he conjures up a bit of the Macron of awakening, a code breaker,” said political scientist Bruno Cautres, even if his appointment “will not solve the problem of the majority,” nor of the “capital chapter of the mandate”.
“Gabriel Attal, the new Macron,” asked the weekly Le Point (right) last September.
During his time in the budget ministry, Gabriel Attal's media ease made him one of the rare ministers sent to the front to defend the unpopular pension reform.
Since July 2023, the young, ubiquitous minister has been at the head of the prestigious National Education department, seducing the older sections of the population who form the heart of the Macronist electorate with his positions in favor of the uniform or the abaya ban in school.
Gabriel Attal is the fourth prime minister to be appointed under Macron's presidency since 2017. His critics regularly accuse him of concentrating power and micromanagement.
“Attal is regaining his position as spokesman” of the government, a position he also held during Emmanuel Macron’s first five-year term, quipped Jean-Luc Mélenchon, the leader of the radical left, as the prime minister disappears. The presiding monarch rules alone with his court,” he further denounced.
Main political reactions to the appointment of Gabriel Attal as Matignon
“Clone” and “spokesman” for the left, “a new puppet” for the right, a “momentum” for the majority: here are the main reactions to Prime Minister.
Majority
Yaël Braun-Pivet (Renaissance), President of the National Assembly: “I wish Gabriel Attal, the new Prime Minister, all the best. I know that we can work together in confidence to advance the economic and social reforms that are being carried out in the National Assembly in the service of the French.”
Stéphane Séjourné, Secretary General of Renaissance: “We need his talent to carry out our political commitments. Many thanks to Elisabeth Borne for the work she has done.”
Sylvain Maillard, leader of the Renaissance MPs: “The fact that he is there gives us additional impetus to implement our reforms.”
LEFT
Jean-Luc Mélenchon (LFI): “Attal regains his position as spokesman. The office of prime minister disappears. The presiding monarch rules alone with his court. Woe to the people whose princes are children.”
Manuel Bompard, political coordinator of the LFI: “Macronia is already in the minority and is retreating into itself. Attal, responsible for the +parcoursup+ fiasco, cover-up of the Benalla affair and minister of fiscal austerity, is promoted.”
Olivier Faure, First Secretary of the PS: “Emmanuel Macron is the successor”
Boris Vallaud, leader of the Socialist MPs: “A new line? NO. A new majority? NO. Emmanuel Macron succeeds Emmanuel Macron, one avatar of Macronism replaces the other »
François Ruffin, LFI MP: “Around twenty 49.3, a forced pension reform against the citizens, against the unions, against the assembly: Elisabeth Borne has fulfilled her function well.” It is up to Gabriel Attal to continue the Macronist work, always for the benefit of the powerful, against the lives of the people.”
Cyrielle Chatelain, head of the environmental deputies: “Change in the occupation, but not in the policy. Chronicle of a predicted catastrophe.”
RIGHT
Eric Ciotti, President of LR: “France needs urgent action: it needs a different method.” Permanent communication must give way to a policy of clarity and firmness.”
Aurélien Pradié, LR MP: “Let’s hope for success for our country.” Above all, he is Emmanuel Macron’s prime minister. He owes her everything. Being successful quickly is one thing. Proving yourself is something else. The superficial is always afraid of the long term.”
Bruno Retailleau, President of the LR parliamentary group in the Senate: “We will judge Gabriel Attal based on his actions. He will be a good prime minister if he manages to pursue a good policy for France: a policy of restoring public finances, restoring authority and rebuilding our collapsed public services.”
Rightmost
Jordan Bardella, President of the National Rally: “By appointing Gabriel Attal to Matignon, Emmanuel Macron wants to maintain his poll popularity to ease the pain of an endless end to his rule.”
Sébastien Chenu, RN MP: “After making a substantive adjustment (immigration law), Emmanuel Macron is trying to make a formal adjustment by appointing Gabriel Attal.”
Eric Zemmour, President of Reconquest! : “Attal replaces Borne. A Macronian will be replaced by a Macronian, who will replace the Macronians with other Macronians. Emmanuel Macron is a top: if he stops going in circles, he will fall.”
Nicolas Dupont-Aignan, Debout la France: “A new puppet in Matignon! Unfortunately for France, Gabriel Attal will not change anything because he is Macron's clone. Urgent resolution for a new policy! »