Gabriel Attal Becomes France's Youngest and First Openly Gay Prime Minister in Sudden Leadership Change

Mar. 15, 2025

Gabriel Attal has been named France’s new prime minister, making history in the process.

French PresidentEmmanuel Macronannounced his appointment of the 34-year-old rising star on Tuesday following former Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne’sresignationa day prior. Attal is now the youngest and the first openly gay man to serve in the role, according toCNN.

Macroncongratulated Attal on X, formerly known as Twitter, writing in French, “I know I can count on your energy and your commitment…” In his tweet, Macron said that Attal would revive “the spirit of 2017,” referring to the year he was elected president.

“I could read and hear it: the youngest president of the Republic in history appoints the youngest prime minister in history. I want to see it only as the symbol of boldness and movement. It is also, and perhaps above all, a symbol of confidence in young people,” Macron, 46, said during the handover ceremony, per theAssociated Press.

During the ceremony, Attal promised to strengthen school and health systems in the country and push for “better controlling immigration,” per the outlet. He also noted that his “absolute priority” would be increasing security in France.

LUDOVIC MARIN/AFP via Getty

Attal gained political prominence after being hired to serve as minister of national education and youth in Macron’s Renaissance Party in July.

Aside from his work, Attal has stood out among other members of the party for his communication skills and ability to field difficult questions from parliament, according toThe Guardian. A poll ranked him the most popular minister in Macron’s government, the AP reports.

Attal previously served as secretary of state at the education ministry, a minister of public works and public accounts, and as a government spokesman.

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His appointment comes quickly on the heels of Borne’s resignation, prompted after immigration legislation passed last month to strengthen the country’s stance on deporting illegal immigrants. Under her tenure, Borne, 62, also oversaw the passage of an unpopular bill to increase the retirement age in the country from 62 to 64, leading to mass protests across the country.

Macron announced on Twitter the day prior that he had accepted her letter of resignation,writing on Xthat she had been “exemplary every day.”

He added, “You have implemented our project with statewomen’s courage, commitment and determination. Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”

source: people.com