Paris, Sep 06 (V7N)— French President Emmanuel Macron has appointed Michel Barnier as the new Prime Minister after nearly two months of political uncertainty. Barnier, a seasoned conservative politician and former EU Brexit negotiator, has pledged to form a government of national unity and prove his majority in the French Parliament.

The appointment comes at a time of political deadlock in France, with no single party securing a majority in recent parliamentary elections. Macron hopes Barnier’s experience and political standing can bring together various parties to pass crucial legislation, including the 2025 budget, which has become urgent.

Barnier has received tentative backing from Marine Le Pen, leader of the far-right National Rally (RN) party, though Le Pen has warned that her support is conditional. She demands attention to the party’s views on immigration and security, and another RN leader has called for the dissolution of parliament and fresh elections by July next year.

At 73, Barnier is now the oldest prime minister in France’s modern political history. He has expressed his determination to listen to all political factions to stabilise the government and address voter dissatisfaction. Whether Barnier can maintain a stable government amid the country’s fragmented political landscape remains to be seen.