Emmanuel Macron appoints Gabriel Attal, 34, as France’s youngest-ever prime minister

9 January 2024, 14:31 | Updated: 9 January 2024, 14:33

Gabriel Attal was announced as the new French Prime Minister.
Gabriel Attal was announced as the new French Prime Minister. Picture: Alamy

By Jenny Medlicott

Emmanuel Macron has appointed Gabriel Attal as France's new prime minister - making him the country's youngest person to ever hold the position.

Listen to this article

Loading audio...

Macron's office announced the appointment of Mr Attal, 34, in a statement on Tuesday after predecessor Elisabeth Borne announced her resignation on Monday.

Addressing Mr Attal on X, the French president wrote: “I know I can count on your energy and your commitment to implement the project of revitalisation and regeneration that I announced.”

He has had a speedy rise through the parliamentary ranks, rising to prominence as the government spokesman and education minister, and is now the country's youngest-ever prime minister.

He is also France’s first openly gay prime minister.

French opinion polls show Mr Attal was the most popular minister in Ms Borne's government.

Ms Borne resigned on Monday following recent political turmoil over an immigration law that strengthens the government's ability to deport foreigners.

Macron is set to name a government in the coming days, which he will now work on with Mr Attal - though some key ministers are expected to continue in their posts.

Read more: Ex-Post Office boss Paula Vennells will hand back CBE with 'immediate effect' after 1.2million sign petition

Read more: 2023 was hottest year on record due to human-driven climate change and El Nino, scientists confirm

Mr Attal is the country's youngest prime minister in history.
Mr Attal is the country's youngest prime minister in history. Picture: Alamy

It also comes ahead of the European Parliament elections in June.

Mr Attal, a former member of the Socialist Party, joined Mr Macron's newly created political movement in 2016 and was government spokesperson from 2020 to 2022.

He was then named budget minister before being appointed in July as education minister, one of the most prestigious positions in the French government.

After being appointed to the position, he soon announced a controversial ban on the abaya dress in classrooms.

The ban took effect with the new school year in September, as he said the garments, worn mainly by Muslims, were testing secularism in the schools.

The appointment of Mr Attal comes follows a tumultuous start to Macron's second term in office after he announced a bill aiming to raise the retirement age from 62 to 64.

More Latest News

See more More Latest News

Brian James

The Damned founding guitarist Brian James dies aged 70

Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to meet US officials in Saudi Arabia

Zelenskyy vows to 'work constructively' with Trump as US-Ukraine peace talks to go ahead in Saudi Arabia

Prisons minister Lord Timpson

UK's largest jail to be created as HMP Highpoint sees 'groundbreaking' expansion - with 700 extra places

Kyle Clifford has been found guilty of rape after admitting killing the family.

Crossbow killer Kyle Clifford was 'fuelled' by Andrew Tate videos before rape and murders, court told

Rome, Italy. 25th Jan, 2025. Pope Francis seen during the Celebration of Vespers

Pope Francis heard speaking for first time since entering hospital as he thanks well-wishers in audio message

Volodymyr Zelenskyy is set to meet US officials in Saudi Arabia

Zelenskyy to meet US officials in Saudi Arabia, as Trump hits out at NATO allies 'not paying enough'

Port de Sóller

Spanish holiday hotspot introduces 'resident-only' zones - here's how the 'nightmare' policy will impact tourists

Gene Hackman and Betsy Arakawa

Gene Hackman and his wife Betsy Arakawa likely died around the same time, fire chief confirms

Lesma-Rose Wibier

Girl, 4, who died in suspected arson attack in Manchester pictured for the first time

Exclusive
Any deal with Russia may take time Ukraine doesn't have, the former PM of Ukraine has warned.

Peace deal with Russia will 'take time' that Ukraine might not have, former Ukrainian PM warns

Exclusive
Jonathan Hall KC won't recommend changing definition of terrorism in wake of Southport attacks

Terrorism definition should not be broadened in wake of Southport attacks, says independent terror legislation reviewer

Richard Tice speaking to LBC in Glasgow.

John Swinney branded 'jealous juvenile' by Reform UK

Exclusive
The independent reviewer of terror legislation has backed calls for social media to be banned for under 16s

UK's terror watchdog says calls to ban social media for under-16s 'have merit'

Ambassador of the Russian Federation to the UK Andrei Kelin

Russia wants a 'quick peace' in Ukraine, ambassador claims as he accuses UK of prolonging war

Pamela Bach-Hasselhoff with David Hasselhoff

David Hasselhoff's ex-wife Pamela Bach-Hasselhoff found dead after 'taking her own life' aged 62

Kyle Clifford has been found guilty of rape after admitting killing the family.

Crocodile tears: Crossbow killer Kyle Clifford sobs as he refuses to speak to police 28 times after triple murder