Michel Barnier’s unexpected offensive against Gabriel Attal during the transfer of power

“When you are sectarian, it is because you are not sure of your ideas.” The content of Michel Barnier’s speech during the handover of power with Gabriel Attal on Thursday at Matignon took many observers by surprise. Starting with the now ex-prime minister Gabriel Attal, who surely did not expect his successor to be so offensive. Eager to speak after 15 minutes of monologue by the new leader of the Macronist deputies, Michel Barnier asks: “Can I say a few words?” Laughter in the courtyard of the Hôtel de Matignon, as Gabriel Attal nods, a tight smile on his lips.

Very quickly, the new Prime Minister’s speech turned into improvisation. He deviated from his notes to respond to Gabriel Attal’s questions. Before even thanking him for his actions at the head of the government, Michel Barnier fired his first ironic arrow: “I liked the way you gave me, not lessons… well, teachings – even if it only lasted eight months – that one learns when one is prime minister.” The former European Commissioner immediately hits where it hurts. A few moments earlier, the elected representative from Hauts-de-Seine confided his «frustration» to see his lease at Matignon come to an end. “Eight months is short. It’s too short.”he shared.

“I found my office a little empty”

Far from being short of good formula and irony, the septuagenarian responds to the insistence of his young predecessor who, praising his record, had repeated several times “this file is on your desktop”referring to the bills pending since the dissolution. “I found my office a little empty earlier,” he says, once again to the laughter of the audience, before asserting his authority: “Of course, I will take them back (…) You will allow me, perhaps, to add my own added value.”

In the courtyard of the Hôtel de Matignon, Michel Barnier plays on his status as the oldest head of government of the Fifth Republic. “I approach this period, this new page that is opening with great humility. Perhaps the wisdom that white hair gives.”he jokes. Next to Gabriel Attal, the youngest prime minister, he launches, like a sermon: “It’s great to be the youngest, but it’s a title you lose very quickly.”

After four minutes of improvisation, the former Minister of Foreign Affairs delves into his notes to deliver a more classic handover speech, in which he promises “changes and ruptures”. These first words as Prime Minister will in any case have allowed us to verify the popular adage: “You can’t teach an old monkey to grimace.”