In a groundbreaking move, President Emmanuel Macron appointed Gabriel Attal, the 34-year-old French education minister, as the country's new prime minister.
This historic decision not only makes Attal the youngest-ever prime minister in France but also marks him as the world's first openly gay man to hold such a prominent political position.
Facing a decline in government popularity, President Macron has strategically chosen Gabriel Attal, a rising star in the Renaissance Party, to rejuvenate his administration.
Attal, known for his dynamic leadership as the minister of education and national youth, now steps into the role of prime minister to advance Macron's agenda and reconnect with the French public.
Attal's political journey
Attal's political journey traces back to his alignment with the center-left Socialist Party before joining Macron's centrist political movement. Despite occasional shifts towards the right, he maintains a shape-shifting political identity reminiscent of his mentor, President Macron.
Having served as the government spokesman during the pandemic, Attal's profile soared among the French public, propelling his rapid political ascent.
As prime minister, Attal faces the crucial task of forming a new government and steering legislation that aligns with President Macron's vision.
While the role holds significance, the French presidency retains the majority of executive power. Attal steps into the shoes of Elisabeth Borne, who resigned amid controversial retirement reforms and urban unrest.
Legacy of "Madame 49.3"
Elisabeth Borne, the first female prime minister in three decades, resigned after a tumultuous 20-month tenure marked by unpopular retirement reforms and urban riots following a police shooting.
Dubbed "Madame 49.3" for her repeated use of a constitutional clause to push through bills without a vote, Borne faced criticism for alleged anti-democratic behavior.
Borne's departure precedes a long-anticipated cabinet reshuffle as Macron seeks a political reset. With the government trailing in opinion polls and far-right support on the rise, the president aims to reposition his administration ahead of the European elections and the Paris Olympics this summer. Surveys indicate that Attal is one of the more well-liked members of Macron's government.
Far-right figurehead Marine Le Pen, a vocal critic of the government, dismissed the cabinet reshuffle as a "childish ballet of ambitions and egos," expressing skepticism about the new administration's potential.
As the political landscape undergoes changes, attention now turns to the upcoming European elections on June 9, signaling a potential shift in French politics.
