New French Prime Minister Michel Barnier. (Photo: Sud Ouest)

At his inauguration ceremony, Barnier said French politics is in a difficult time and pledged to make changes in line with the aspirations of the French people. He emphasized the importance of improving public services, the quality of education, the quality of life, and security, and controlling immigration.

Barnier, 73, is a member of the right-wing Republican Right party. He has 40 years of experience in French and European politics, having served on the European Commission and held multiple cabinet positions,includingMinister of Foreign Affairs and Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries. In 2021, Barnier announced his candidacy for President, but failed to gain enough support within his party.

President Macron accepted the resignation of Prime Minister Gabriel Attal and his government last July, after Macron's "Together" coalition was defeated in the second round of France’s legislative election.