Michel Barnier: France's New Prime Minister

Michel Barnier, the EU's former Brexit negotiator, has been appointed as France's new Prime Minister by Emmanuel Macron. Barnier, who has served as French Foreign, European Affairs, Environment, and Agriculture Minister, has a political background spanning over 50 years.

Appointment of Michel Barnier as Prime Minister

Emmanuel Macron named Michel Barnier as France's new Prime Minister on September 5, 2024
Barnier, 73, replaces Gabriel Attal, who resigned on July 16 following inconclusive legislative elections
Appointment ends a 50-day period of caretaker government
Barnier is known as "Monsieur Brexit" for his role as EU's chief Brexit negotiator
He becomes France's oldest prime minister since the establishment of the Fifth Republic in 1958

Political Context and Challenges

June 2024 snap elections resulted in a divided and hung parliament
Three main political blocs emerged: the left, Macron's centrists, and the far right
No clear majority in the National Assembly
Macron delayed PM appointment until after the Paris Olympics (July 26-August 11, 2024)
Opposition, led by Jean-Luc Mélenchon, claims the "election has been stolen"
Barnier faces the challenge of building loose groupings of backers in parliament
Immediate task: form a government that can survive potential no-confidence votes

Michel Barnier's Background and Experience

Extensive political career spanning over 50 years
Served as French Foreign, European Affairs, Environment, and Agriculture Minister
Twice held the position of European Commissioner
Led Brexit negotiations for the EU from 2016 to 2019
Known for his humble roots in France's Alpine region of Haute-Savoie
Failed bid to become the Republican party's presidential candidate in 2021

The Road Ahead for Barnier and Macron

Barnier must form a unifying government "in the service of the country and the French people"
Key challenge: steering the 2025 budget through parliament by October 1, 2024
Need to navigate diverse political landscape to form a functional cabinet
Broader objective: unite a politically divided France
Barnier pledged to respect and listen to all political forces
Promised to address challenges, anger, and sense of abandonment in towns and countryside
Committed to being truthful about financial and environmental challenges facing France

Meet Sushila Karki

In the world of South Asian politics, Sushila Karki has emerged as a historic figure. She is a Nepalese jurist, author, and politician who created history in September 2025 by becoming the first w

Gen Z Protests Nepal Explained

Nepal plunged into political turmoil as Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli resigned on September 9, 2025, following massive Gen Z Protests in Nepal triggered by the government’s controversial soci

Mount Fuji Summit at 102

In a remarkable feat of endurance and determination, Kokichi Akuzawa climbs Mount Fuji at 102 years old, setting a new benchmark in mountaineering history. On August 5, 2025, Akuzawa, a Japanese c

New Enteromix Cancer Vaccine by Russia

In a groundbreaking development for global oncology, Russia launches colon cancer vaccine Enteromix, marking a significant advancement in cancer treatment. Announced by Veronika Skvortsova, head o

Anutin Charnvirakul: Thailand New PM 2025

Staying updated with international current affairs is crucial for SSC exams, and one of the most important global political developments in 2025 is the election of Thailand's New PM 2025 Anuti

Nepal Bans Social Media

In a landmark digital policy move, the Government of Nepal has announced that Nepal banning social media, targeting 26 unregistered platforms. The decision, revealed by Minister of Communications

e-VidyaBharati Scholarships 2025

In a significant gesture of academic and diplomatic outreach, India has announced 1,000 e-scholarships for Afghan students for the academic year 2025–26. These scholarships are offered under

SCO Summit China 2025

The 2025 Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit China hosted by China, brought together member countries to discuss regional development, technological innovation, and educational collabor

Mineral Security India Japan MoC

In a significant step toward reinforcing their strategic partnership, India and Japan have signed a Memorandum of Cooperation (MoC) focused on critical minerals, a move that has far-reaching impli

India Japan Summit 2025

At a time of rising global uncertainty, the India-Japan Summit 2025 emerged as a landmark event, reaffirming the deep-rooted friendship between India and Japan. During Prime Minister Narendra Modi&rsq