About our Michel Barnier news
Latest news on Michel Barnier, former French PM and EU Brexit negotiator, covering his political career, premiership crisis, and resignation in December 2024
Michel Barnier, a veteran French conservative politician, served as Prime Minister of France from September to December 2024, marking a dramatic end to his political career when his government fell to a no-confidence vote. At 73, he was the oldest person to hold the position under the Fifth Republic and had previously gained international prominence as the EU's chief Brexit negotiator from 2016 to 2021.
Barnier's brief tenure as Prime Minister ended on 4 December 2024 when his government became the first since 1962 to lose a motion of no-confidence in Parliament. The crisis erupted after he invoked article 49.3 of the French Constitution to adopt the Social Security budget without a parliamentary vote, leading to widespread protests across France. His appointment by President Emmanuel Macron had been controversial from the start, coming after the left-wing New Popular Front won a plurality in the 2024 snap legislative election.
Throughout his career, Barnier has been known for his measured approach and diplomatic skills, earning respect even from political opponents. His experience ranges from organizing the 1992 Winter Olympics in Albertville to serving as French Foreign Minister and European Commissioner. As a conservative Gaullist, he has advocated for stricter immigration controls and tougher law enforcement measures while maintaining a pro-European stance.
Born in 1951 in La Tronche in the French Alps to a leather craftsman father and politically active mother, Barnier's political journey began at age 27 when he was elected to the National Assembly. He went on to serve in various French cabinet positions and as European Commissioner for Internal Market and Services from 2010 to 2014. His role as the EU's chief Brexit negotiator from 2016 to 2021 brought him international recognition for his handling of complex negotiations with the UK.
Our Â鶹´«Ã½ feed provides comprehensive coverage of Michel Barnier's political career and legacy, drawing from French and international news sources. Stay informed about the aftermath of his historic resignation, ongoing political developments in France, and expert analysis of his impact on French and European politics.