Macron announces that 73-year-old Barnier will become the Prime Minister of France. | WPN World People News

After France has been mired in a political deadlock for nearly two months, President Emmanuel Macron officially appointed veteran politician Michel Barnier as the new Prime Minister on September 5, ending the caretaker government's tenure.

At 73 years old, Barnier, born in January 1951 in La Tronche, becomes the oldest Prime Minister in French history. Barnier was elected to the National Assembly at the age of 27 and has held various positions including Member of Parliament, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Minister of Agriculture, Member of the European Parliament, and EU Commissioner. From 2016 to 2021, he negotiated Brexit with the United Kingdom and is known as a cautious conservative.

In his address, Barnier stated that he would listen to all political factions upon taking office and prioritize healthcare, employment, security, and reducing national debt. He vowed to address the domestic challenges, pain, anger, sense of abandonment, and injustice facing the country.

The Élysée Palace issued a statement saying that Macron appointed Barnier to form a government that serves the nation and promotes unity to tackle the current political divisions in France. Additionally, Barnier will face the task of passing difficult legislation such as the 2025 budget and dealing with the ongoing threat of being overthrown.