Current:Home > BackGabriel Attal is France’s youngest-ever and first openly gay prime minister-Angel Dreamer Wealth Society D1 Reviews & Insights
Gabriel Attal is France’s youngest-ever and first openly gay prime minister
View Date:2024-12-24 00:10:40
PARIS (AP) — Gabriel Attal was named Tuesday as France’s youngest-ever prime minister, as President Emmanuel Macron seeks a fresh start for the rest of his term amid growing political pressure from the far right.
Attal, 34, rose to prominence as the government spokesman then education minister and had polled as the most popular minister in the outgoing government. He is France’s first openly gay prime minister.
His predecessor Elisabeth Borne resigned Monday following recent political turmoil over an immigration law that strengthens the government’s ability to deport foreigners.
Macron’s office announced the appointment in a statement. He will work with Attal to name a new government in the coming days, though some key ministers are expected to continue in their posts.
‘’I know I can count on your energy and your commitment,’’ Macron posted on X in a message to Attal. The president made a reference to Attal reviving the ‘’spirit of 2017,’’ when Macron shook up French politics and shot to a surprise victory as France’s youngest-ever president on a pro-business centrist platform aimed at reviving one of the world’s biggest economies.
The 46-year-old president has shifted rightward on security and migration issues since then, notably as far-right rival Marine Le Pen and her anti-immigration, anti-Islam National Rally have gained political influence.
Macron’s second term lasts until 2027, and he is constitutionally barred from a third consecutive term. Political observers also suggested that Macron, a staunch supporter of European integration, wants his new government to get ready for June’s European Union elections, where far-right, anti-EU populists are expected to increase their influence.
His critics from both left and right took aim at Attal for his limited experience, his Paris upbringing seen as out of touch with people struggling in the provinces, and his loyalty to the president.
Le Pen posted on X, formerly Twitter: “What can the French expect from this 4th prime minister and 5th government in 7 years (under Macron)? Nothing,” calling on voters instead to choose her party in the European elections.
In a statement, Eric Ciotti, head of the conservative party The Republicans, said, “France urgently needs action: it needs a different approach. Constant communication must give way to policies of clarity and firmness.” The Republicans would remain a “responsible opposition” to the centrist government, he added.
The founder of the hard-left France Insoumise (France Unbowed) party, Jean-Luc Mélenchon, writing on X, mocked Attal for “returning to his position as spokesman. The function of prime minister is disappearing. The presidential monarch alone rules his court.”
Attal, a former member of the Socialist Party, joined Macron’s newly created political movement in 2016 and was government spokesperson from 2020 to 2022, a job that made him well-known to the French public. He was then named budget minister before being appointed in July as education minister, one of the most prestigious positions in the French government.
Attal quickly announced a ban on long robes in classrooms which took effect with the new school year in September, saying the garments worn mainly by Muslims were testing secularism in the schools.
He also launched a plan to experiment with uniforms in some public schools, as part of efforts to move the focus away from clothes and reduce school bullying.
Attal recently detailed on national television TF1 how he suffered bullying at middle school, including homophobic harassment.
Under the French political system, the prime minister is appointed by the president and accountable to the parliament. The prime minister is in charge of implementing domestic policy, notably economic measures, and coordinating the government’s team of ministers.
The president holds substantial powers over foreign policy and European affairs and is the commander-in-chief of the country’s armed forces.
Attal will face the same obstacle as his predecessor: Macron’s centrists lost their majority in parliament last year, forcing the government into political maneuvering and using special constitutional powers to be able to pass laws.
The tough negotiations over the immigration bill and heated parliament debate raised questions over the ability of Borne’s government to pass future major legislation. Macron’s centrist alliance was able to pass the measure only after making a deal with the Republicans party, which prompted a left-leaning government minister to quit and angered many people in Macron’s own alliance.
Borne also faced mass protests last year, often marred by violence, against a law to increase the retirement age from 62 to 64, and days of riots across France triggered by the deadly police shooting of a teen.
Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin, who championed the immigration bill, said Tuesday he was ready to continue his work at the head of the country’s police forces especially as the Paris Olympics are to start in less than 200 days, with major security issues at stake.
___
Angela Charlton in Paris contributed.
veryGood! (98747)
Related
- Shawn Mendes Confesses He and Camila Cabello Are No Longer the Closest
- A Walk in the Woods with My Brain on Fire: Summer
- Sean Diddy Combs' Lawyer Shares Update After Suicide Watch Designation
- The first day of fall is almost here: What to know about 2024 autumnal equinox
- Katherine Schwarzenegger Gives Birth, Welcomes Baby No. 3 With Chris Pratt
- Former Bad Boy artist Shyne says Diddy 'destroyed' his life: 'I was defending him'
- Many players who made their MLB debuts in 2020 felt like they were ‘missing out’
- Miley Cyrus Makes Rare Public Appearance During Outing With Boyfriend Maxx Morando
- Lions QB Jared Goff, despite 5 interceptions, dared to become cold-blooded
- Diana Taurasi changed the WNBA by refusing to change herself
Ranking
- Will the NBA Cup become a treasured tradition? League hopes so, but it’s too soon to tell
- Phillies torch Mets to clinch third straight playoff berth with NL East title in sight
- 8 California firefighters injured in freeway rollover after battling Airport Fire
- Elle King says she didn't want 'to hurt' dad Rob Schneider after speaking 'her truth'
- As the transition unfolds, Trump eyes one of his favorite targets: US intelligence
- US stops hazardous waste shipments to Michigan from Ohio after court decision
- Were warning signs ignored? Things to know about this week’s testimony on the Titan sub disaster
- Over 137,000 Lucid beds sold on Amazon, Walmart recalled after injury risks
Recommendation
-
NCT DREAM enters the 'DREAMSCAPE': Members on new album, its concept and songwriting
-
Inter Miami's goals leader enjoys title with Leo Messi on his tail before NYCFC match
-
S&P 500, Dow hit record highs after Fed cuts rates. What it means for your 401(k).
-
The head of Boeing’s defense and space business is out as company tries to fix troubled contracts
-
Incredible animal moments: Watch farmer miraculously revive ailing chick, doctor saves shelter dogs
-
DNA match leads to arrest in 1988 cold case killing of Boston woman Karen Taylor
-
A lost cat’s mysterious 2-month, 900-mile journey home to California
-
Mexican cartel leader’s son convicted of violent role in drug trafficking plot