France’s newly appointed prime minister, Gabriel Attal, has taken charge with a clear message of “work, work, work.” At just 34 years old, Attal is the youngest premier in France’s history and is leading a relatively small team of 14 ministers. The government is expected to be reinforced within the next 10 days by additional junior ministers in an effort to be more efficient and to achieve quick results.
The new Cabinet aims to reflect a rejuvenated image with fresh faces joining high-profile ministers who retain their jobs. Notably, Stéphane Séjourné, 38, has become France’s youngest foreign minister, expressing his intention to follow the road map set by President Macron. It is also noteworthy that Attal is France’s first openly gay prime minister, and the youngest minister, Marie Lebec, in charge of relations with parliament, is just 33.
The French presidency has revealed that Macron will speak about his top priorities for the year, before Attal makes his general policy speech at parliament, which is expected to be next week. Under the French political system, the prime minister is appointed by the president, accountable to parliament, and in charge of implementing domestic policy, notably economic measures, while the president holds substantial powers over foreign policy and European affairs and is the commander-in-chief of the armed forces.
The changes in the government are a reflection of Macron’s vision for a more efficient and rejuvenated leadership, which includes a smaller, more focused Cabinet. The coming weeks and months will reveal the impact of these changes on French domestic and foreign policy.
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