(Reims) Michel Barnier – the former chief negotiator of the European Union for Brexit who was appointed prime minister on September 5 – promised on Wednesday to appoint a French government “next week”.
Published at 7:38 a.m.
“We will do things methodically, seriously,” said Mr Barnier, 73, who was appointed by President Emmanuel Macron after legislative elections that failed to produce a majority in the National Assembly.
“I have met most of the group presidents, I am continuing and I am coming to visit the deputies, the senators, to listen to them too,” this figure of the traditional French right explained to the press.
“Next week we will name the government,” added the new prime minister, who is tasked with forming a delicate coalition between left-wing, centre-right and right-wing figures in his government team.
The French presidency assured that the choice of Michel Barnier had been dictated by his capacity to “bring together the broadest possible audience” in a fragmented political landscape.
A few days after his appointment, Michel Barnier had to face demonstrations called by the left-wing party La France Insoumise, particularly in Paris.
