After the controversial immigration law was approved in France and following the resignation of Elisabeth Borne, 34-year-old Gabriel Attal has taken office as the youngest prime minister in French history. Following the challenging retirement reform and immigration law projects, Emmanuel Macron has entrusted Attal with the task of initiating a new era in the next five years.
Attal began his political career as the Presidential Spokesperson, and then, in 2018, at the age of 28, he served as the Secretary of State alongside the Minister of Education. Between 2020 and 2022, he held the position of Government Spokesperson, in 2022, he served as the state minister under the Ministry of Finance, and in July 2023, he assumed significant roles such as the Minister of Education.
Macron experienced a significant political ascent within the government for the prime ministerial seat and opted for Attal, who had served as a loyal minister. This choice reflects Macron’s pursuit of harmonious collaboration and leadership that would not cast a shadow throughout his tenure. Macron’s close circle explained this appointment in terms of Attal’s “abilities” and “popularity.” In a 2021 interview, Gabriel Attal expressed, “I am a soldier; they tell me where I need to go,” emphasizing his loyalty to Macron. [i]
Attal’s unwavering loyalty has also brought criticism from the opposition. The Republicans Group Leader, Bruno Retailleau, stated that Attal will be judged based on his actions and that to be a good prime minister, he needs to separate himself from Macronism. Marine Le Pen, on the other hand, argued that Macron appointed his ‘miniature’ and asserted that issues such as migration, unemployment, and purchasing power across the country will not be resolved. [ii] The spokesperson for the National Unity Party approached this change with skepticism, saying, “The President, as he always does, will appoint someone obedient to his orders. And he will continue to be a leader.” [iii]
Attal has achieved success through striking policy statements that have garnered support among right-leaning individuals. This increase in popularity among right-leaning voters is based on a combination of decisions promoting conservative approaches to education and implementing measures targeting Muslim students. Attal’s decision to ban the wearing of the abaya in schools is among these measures.
Marine Le Pen has described the acceptance of the immigration law as an ideological victory, leading to claims of the far-right gaining strength. Macron’s hope is to revitalize the government by appointing Attal and leveraging his popularity. In this context, it is anticipated that Gabriel Attal could bring a “rebirth” to Emmanuel Macron and, consequently, enhance the chances of his party in the European elections in June.
Opposition parties have argued that Attal is “too Parisian” and claimed that he would be inadequate for leadership. The opposition group, pointing to a “Parisian” attitude in policy implementation indicating a lack of governance during times of crisis, cited the example of the “yellow vests.” They emphasized that a government that does not gather enough information from the field can lead to difficulties in the administration of smaller towns. Additionally, they highlighted the fundamental issue of the representation of non-Parisian regions in the public decision-making process. The opposition politics, asserting that the “Parisian” perspective in governance endangers the republic, stated that the existing government is a regrettable example of a political thought deficiency. [iv]
The international media has voiced some criticisms regarding the appointment of Gabriel Attal as the Prime Minister. The British media has referred to Attal as the “Macron child” and “Baby Macron.” In the United States, Attal’s appointment has been interpreted as Emmanuel Macron’s effort to “restore political balance,” emphasizing the new prime minister’s role in Macron’s shift from center-left to center-right. [v]
Attal’s youth has become an interesting topic internationally, drawing comments and attention. The reason for appointing such a young figure to a high-profile position is seen as Attal’s considerable popularity. Attal is appreciated by older voters for embodying a dynamic reminiscent of Macron’s first presidential campaign. Furthermore, the public regards Attal as a “talented spokesperson who effectively conveys the government’s line with unwavering loyalty”. [vi]
European countries have found the shift of the French government towards the right reassuring for the continuity of relations among partner nations. They have interpreted this change in the French government as a “counterbalance to the European elections.” The German press, describing Gabriel Attal as “bright, courageous, and a political genius,” does not expect significant changes in its relations with the new French government or in France’s actions in Europe. The German media emphasizes that the president determines the course of French domestic and foreign policy. The Italian press, on the other hand, has shared the view that Emmanuel Macron’s government has shifted “even further to the right” with its new image.
The appointment of Stéphane Séjourné as the Minister of Foreign Affairs by Attal has drawn the attention of European countries. Séjourné’s statements emphasizing a priority for a united Europe have left a significant impression on EU countries. His visit to Berlin confirms positive sentiments towards the EU in French policy. Additionally, his visits to Kiev and Warsaw validate the concerns of the French policy within the EU regarding the conflict in Ukraine. [vii] In this context, the appointments of Attal and Séjourné, as well as the efforts of the French government to strengthen its role in Europe, contribute to reinforcing the spirit of solidarity and collaboration within the European Union.
[i] “Remaniement : Gabriel Attal, un Premier ministre fidèle du président, biberonné à l’école de la macronie”, Francetvinfo, https://www.francetvinfo.fr/politique/remaniement/remaniement-gabriel-attal-un-premier-ministre-fidele-du-president-biberonne-a-l-ecole-de-la-macronie_6290568.html, (Date of Access: 23.01.2024).
[ii] “Gabrıel Attal Premıer Mınıstre: La Droıte Dans L’expectatıve, Pour L’extrême Droıte “Rıen Ne Changera”, Bfmtv, https://www.bfmtv.com/politique/gouvernement/gabriel-attal-premier-ministre-la-droite-dans-l-expectative-pour-l-extreme-droite-rien-ne-changera_AN-202401090533.html, (Date of Access: 23.01.2024).
[iii] “Macron Appoints ‘Macron Junior’ as New French PM”, European Conservative, https://europeanconservative.com/articles/news/macron-appoints-macron-junior-as-new-french-pm/, (Date of Access: 25.01.2024).
[iv] “Macron Appoints ‘Macron Junior’ as New French PM”, La Gazettes Communes, https://www.lagazettedescommunes.com/909746/gouvernement-attal-un-executif-trop-parisien/, (Date of Access: 23.01.2024).
[v] “«Baby Macron», «sniper des mots», «enfant prodige» : ce que pense la presse étrangère de l’arrivée de Gabriel Attal à Matignon”, Le Figaro, https://www.lefigaro.fr/politique/baby-macron-sniper-des-mots-enfant-prodigue-ce-que-pense-la-presse-etrangere-de-l-arrivee-de-gabriel-attal-a-matignon-20240110, (Date of Access: 23.01.2024).
[vi] “France’s Youngest Ever Prime Minister Is Part of Macronism’s Shift to the Right”, Novaramedia, https://novaramedia.com/2024/01/17/frances-youngest-ever-prime-minister-is-part-of-macronisms-shift-to-the-right/, (Date of Access: 23.01.2024).
[vii] “Les Européens voient dans le gouvernement Attal une stabilité des relations et un renforcement de l’Union”, Francetinfo, https://www.francetvinfo.fr/replay-radio/le-club-des-correspondants/les-europeens-voient-dans-le-gouvernement-attal-une-stabilite-des-relations-et-un-renforcement-de-l-union_6284844.html, (Date of Access: 25.01.2024).
