French politics have been in gridlock since an inconclusive snap election earlier this month, with parties in the National Assembly scrambling to put together a governing coalition and no successor to Attal in sight
French President Emmanuel Macron shakes up his second term by appointing 34-year-old Gabriel Attal as the new Prime Minister. Seeking to revitalize his presidency and steer beyond past reforms, Macron aims to boost his centrist party's standing in the upcoming European parliament elections. Attal, a familiar face as the former government spokesman during the pandemic, steps in to replace Elisabeth Borne, signaling a fresh direction. Watch the video to know who is this young French Prime Minister who is openly gay.
Gabriel Attal brings a distinct change of style to the prime minister's office compared to his predecessor, Elisabeth Borne.
The move will not necessarily lead to any major political shift, but signals a desire for Macron to try to move beyond last year's unpopular pension and immigration reforms and improve his centrist party's chances in the June EU ballot.
The move comes a few days after Paris announced a ban on all flights from Brazil to stave off the P1 coronavirus variant, and required quarantines for passengers on flights from Argentina, Chile and South Africa.
Government spokesman Gabriel Attal also said that President Emmanuel Macron's administration was sticking to a base case scenario of bars and restaurants to re-open outdoor seatings by mid-May.