Macron Names Michel Barnier as French Prime Minister, Ending Political Impasse

French President Emmanuel Macron has appointed Michel Barnier as the country’s new prime minister, ending a two-month political stalemate following inconclusive snap elections, France24 reports.

The Élysée Palace announced on Thursday that Michel Barnier, a 73-year-old veteran of France’s conservative party Les Républicains (LR), has been tasked with forming a “unifying government to serve the country and the French,” according to Financial Times.

The announcement, made on Thursday, comes after no party secured a majority in the June parliamentary elections, leading to weeks of negotiations and speculation over who would lead the government.

Barnier, a seasoned politician and former European Union negotiator, is seen as a pragmatic choice capable of navigating the complex political landscape and building consensus among diverse factions. His experience in international diplomacy and his reputation as a skilled negotiator are expected to be key assets in this role.

The political landscape remains fragmented, with Macron’s party, Renaissance, holding a plurality of seats in parliament but not an outright majority.