Gabriel Attal Assumes Role as France’s Youngest PM in Macron’s Bid for National Reset

Paris, The Gulf Observer: Gabriel Attal promised to be bold and act fast to help the middle class weather the rising cost of living, after President Emmanuel Macron, seeking to breathe new life into his second term, on Tuesday made him France’s youngest ever prime minister.

The appointment of Attal, 34, a popular and media-savvy rising star of French politics, signals a desire by Macron to move beyond divisive reforms and improve his centrist party’s chances in the European Parliament elections in June, Reuters reported.

Attal has polled as one of France’s most popular politicians in recent months. A Macron loyalist, he became a household name as a government spokesman during the COVID pandemic and earned a reputation as a smooth communicator.

The reshuffle is likely to intensify the race in Macron’s camp to succeed him in the next presidential election in 2027, with former prime minister Edouard Philippe, Interior Minister Gerard Darmanin and Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire all seen as potential candidates – alongside Attal.