In a strategic move aimed at revitalizing his second term ahead of European Parliament elections, French President Emmanuel Macron has designated Gabriel Attal, the 34-year-old Education Minister, as his new prime minister, according to reports from French media on Tuesday.
While this change may not necessarily bring about significant political shifts, it underscores Macron's aspiration to move beyond the unpopular reforms of the previous year, such as pension and immigration changes. The intention is to bolster his centrist party's standing in the upcoming June EU ballot, where opinion polls currently indicate a trailing position behind Marine Le Pen's far-right party by approximately eight to ten percentage points.
Gabriel Attal, a prominent Macron ally, gained recognition as the government spokesman during the Covid-19 pandemic. If officially confirmed, Attal will take over from the outgoing Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne, according to reports from RTL radio and BFM TV.
Despite the absence of immediate official confirmation, the move is widely expected. Gabriel Attal, popular in recent opinion polls, is recognized as a proficient minister comfortable in various communication channels, from radio shows to parliamentary sessions. Notably, he will become France's youngest prime minister and the first openly gay individual to hold the position.
Comparisons have been drawn between Gabriel Attal and the Macron of 2017, capturing the essence of Macron's initial popularity when he assumed office as the youngest leader in modern French history. MP Patrick Vignal described Attal as clear and authoritative, emphasizing his potential as a figure akin to the early Macron.
With a combined age just below that of Joe Biden, who is seeking a second term in the upcoming U.S. presidential election, the Macron-Attal duo is expected to inject new energy into the government, according to pollster Jean-Daniel Levy from Harris Interactive.
However, opposition leaders have expressed skepticism, suggesting that the change in prime minister may not lead to substantial policy shifts, with Macron retaining a significant role in decision-making. Socialist Party leader Olivier Faure remarked that regardless of whether it's Elisabeth Borne, Gabriel Attal, or another figure, the policies are likely to remain unchanged under Macron's leadership.
