Emmanuel Macron Appoints Michel Barnier as Prime Minister Amid Political Deadlock

French President Emmanuel Macron has appointed Michel Barnier, former Brexit negotiator, as prime minister. Barnier is tasked with forming a new government and pushing through crucial reforms and the 2025 budget in a hung parliament. Macron's snap election gamble resulted in a fragmented legislature.

French President Emmanuel Macron appointed Michel Barnier, the European Union's former Brexit negotiator, as prime minister on Thursday. Barnier is tasked with forming a new government, seeking to end weeks of political deadlock after a snap election resulted in a hung parliament.

Barnier faces the formidable challenge of advancing key reforms and the 2025 budget, all while under pressure from the European Commission and bond markets to reduce France's deficit.

Macron's decision to call the snap parliamentary election in June backfired, with his centrist coalition losing numerous seats and leaving no party with an absolute majority. Despite the left's New Popular Front alliance securing the most seats, Macron rejected collaborating with them due to expected immediate opposition from other parties.

(With inputs from agencies.)