Current Affairs-Topics

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

More Related Articles

Storm Petrel Missile Russia

In a major strategic breakthrough, Russian President Vladimir Putin has announced the successful test of the Storm Petrel missile in Russia, officially known as the Burevestnik missile (9M730). Th

Timor-Leste Joins ASEAN 2025

On October 26, 2025, Timor-Leste joins ASEAN 2025 officially as the 11th member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). This historic inclusion was formalised during the ASEAN Summi

Bhutan Peace Prayer Festival 2025

The Bhutan Peace Prayer Festival 2025 is one of the most anticipated global spiritual events of the decade. Scheduled from November 4 to 19, 2025, in Bhutan’s capital, Thimphu, this two-week

US–China Trade War 2025

The US–China Trade War 2025 has once again captured global attention as high-level officials from both nations convened in Kuala Lumpur for critical negotiations. These talks, held on th

Russia Nuclear Readiness Test 2025

On 22 October 2025, Russia conducted a comprehensive nuclear readiness test, under the direct supervision of President Vladimir Putin, involving strategic missile launches from land, sea, and air.

NZ Social Media Ban 2025

In a significant move reflecting growing global concerns about teen mental health and online safety, New Zealand is set to debate legislation that would restrict social media access for children u

Tuvalu Biodiversity Overview

The Government of Tuvalu has officially joined the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) as its 90th State Member. This significant development highlights the growing global attent

Middle East Peace Effort 2025

The Middle East peace effort 2025 has taken a historic turn with former US President Donald Trump being recognised for his pivotal role in mediating a ceasefire between Israel and Hamas. Israeli P

Historic Rise of Sanae Takaichi

In a historic moment for Japanese politics, Sanae Takaichi has been elected as Japan’s first female prime minister, breaking one of the country’s most enduring political glass ceilings

India Mongolia Relations Explained

The President of Mongolia recently undertook a state visit to India, commemorating the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations and the 10th anniversary of the India-Mongolia strategic partne

Toppers

anil kumar
Akshay kuamr
geeta kumari
shubham