French President Emmanuel Macron has named Gabriel Attal, the 34-year-old Minister of Education, as France's prime minister, according to reports from French media outlets. This appointment sets a new record, making Attal the youngest prime minister in modern French history. He succeeds Élisabeth Borne, who resigned the previous day.
The reshuffle is part of Macron's strategy to invigorate his second term, particularly in anticipation of the upcoming European Parliament elections later this year.
Gabriel Attal, born in 1989, assumes the role of France's prime minister at the age of 34, a distinction that places him among other young leaders in European countries in recent years.
Noteworthy young leaders in Europe include Austria's Sebastian Kurz, who became chancellor at 31 in 2017, and Finland's Sanna Marin, who took on the role of prime minister at 34 in 2019. Hungary's Viktor Orbán and Ireland's Leo Varadkar were also relatively young when they assumed high-profile positions.
Attal's popularity in France is evident, as indicated by an Ipsos poll from December, showcasing strong public support.
A profile of Gabriel Attal reveals his rapid rise in the political arena, progressing from a work experience recruit in the health ministry to becoming France's youngest prime minister. Attal, who hails from a privileged background, has demonstrated effective communication skills, earning him the moniker "the Word Sniper."
Born to Yves Attal, a lawyer and film producer of Tunisian Jewish descent, and Marie de Couriss, with roots in Orthodox Christians from Odesa, Attal is the first openly gay leader of the French government.
International leaders have begun congratulating Gabriel Attal, with French President Emmanuel Macron expressing confidence in Attal's energy and commitment.
As discussions unfold about Attal's potential premiership, critics question the choice, emphasizing his age and relatively short tenure as education minister. However, Attal's trajectory suggests a promising and dynamic leadership style.
The official announcement of France's new prime minister is anticipated later in the day, with Gabriel Attal emerging as the leading candidate.