Gabriel Attal, at the age of 34, made history on Tuesday by becoming France youngest and the first openly gay prime minister, succeeding Élisabeth Borne, who resigned on Monday.
French President Emmanuel Macron expressed confidence in Attal, stating in a post on X (formerly known as Twitter), “I know I can rely on your energy and commitment.”
Macron added that the appointment was reminiscent of the “spirit of 2017,” the year when he became France’s youngest 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,” Attal said during a ceremony.
During a speech on Tuesday, Prime Minister Gabriel Attal outlined his priorities, emphasizing a commitment to making security an “absolute priority” and advocating for the promotion of values such as “authority and respect for others.”
In addition to his focus on security, Attal pledged to enhance public services, with a particular emphasis on schools and the healthcare system. He also expressed his intention to advocate for more controlled immigration.
As one of the highest-elected LGBTQ politicians, Attal, previously serving as the education minister, now assumes a prominent role leading the French government into the upcoming European Parliament elections scheduled for this June. the first openly gay
According to the BBC, Gabriel Attal has emerged as a rising star in French politics over the past decade. His political journey began as an adviser in the health ministry and as a member of the Socialists party. However, NPR reported that in 2016, he parted ways with the Socialists to align himself with Emmanuel Macron’s newly formed political movement.
Attal’s ascent continued as he secured a seat in parliament in 2017, gaining recognition for his prowess as a compelling debater, as highlighted by the BBC. His trajectory in politics has marked him as a notable figure, ultimately leading to his recent appointment as the country’s youngest and first openly gay prime minister.