Gabriel Attal, 34, was appointed as the new Prime Minister of France.
CNN News touched on Attal as a rising star in Macron's Renaissance Party, noting he has served as minister of education and national youth since July.
Before leading the Education Ministry, Attal served as the government spokesman and then as minister of public works and public accounts. As prime minister, he will be charged with forming a new government and ensuring the passage of legislation that advances the president's agenda.
CNN elaborated on the resignation of Attal's predecessor, Elisabeth Borne, who stepped down on Monday after a tumultuous 20-month tenure. Borne became the first female prime minister in three decades when Macron named her to the post in May of 2022, just shortly after his reelection. Her party then failed to win an absolute majority in parliamentary elections the following month, which resulted in hindering her government's ability to pass new laws.
On more than 20 occasions, according to the CNN article, Borne resorted to using a constitutional clause that allowed the government to push through bills in the lower house without a vote, including raising the age of retirement. Borne's repeated use of the tool led to accusations of anti-democratic behavior and earned her the nickname "Madame 49.3," a reference to the clause itself.
Bourne's departure does not come as a surprise. It coincides, as revealed by CNN, with the much-awaited cabinet reshuffle as Macron and his administration have been experiencing a decline in public opinion polls. Attal's nomination doesn't hint at any significant political changes; rather it signifies Macron's determination to move forward from last year's unpopular pension and immigration reforms. The move aims to strengthen his centrist party's prospects in the upcoming June EU ballot.
The historic action makes Attal the youngest and first openly gay prime minister in French history. According to Reuters, Attal has been polled as one of France's most popular politicians in recent months. As a Macron loyalist, he became a household name in French politics as a government spokesman during the COVID pandemic and earned a reputation as a smooth communicator.
However, his opponents and some voters remain skeptical. The president's ruling party trails far-right leader Marine Le Pen's party by around eight to ten percentage points in opinion polls.
The Associated Press reported that critics from both left and right took aim at Attal for his limited experience, his Paris upbringing seen as out of touch with people struggling in the provinces, and his loyalty to the president.
Marine Le Pen, Macron's far-right contender posted on X, formerly Twitter: "What can the French expect from this 4th prime minister and 5th government in 7 years (under Macron)? Nothing," calling on voters instead to choose her party in the European elections.
Macron will work with Attal to name a new government in the coming days, though some key ministers are expected to continue in their posts.
