France has the youngest prime minister in history

French President Emannuel Macron's office said that French Education Minister Gabriel Attal, 34 years old, has been appointed as the new French Prime Minister to succeed Ms. Élisabeth Borne.

Accordingly, Mr. Attal is the youngest prime minister in French history to be appointed. At the same time, he is also the first French prime minister to be openly gay.

The change comes as French President Emmanuel Macron seeks to create new momentum for his second term ahead of European Parliament elections in late 2024. Borne, 62, had earlier submitted her resignation on January 8. She took office in May 2022 and is the second female prime minister in French history.

New French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal. (Photo: Getty)

Under President Macron, Mr. Attal is known as France's education minister and government spokesman. He is a former member of the Socialist Party and joined Mr. Macron's new coalition in 2016.

After becoming France's Minister of Education, Mr. Attal announced a ban on students wearing long robes in the classroom, a ban that will take effect from the new school year in September 2023.

He also announced plans to trial uniforms in some public schools, as part of an effort to make students less concerned about what they wear to school and reduce bullying related to the issue.

According to opinion polls in France, Mr. Attal is the most popular minister in Mrs. Borne's government.

In France, the president sets general policy, but the prime minister manages the government's operations, meaning he or she is responsible when the government encounters scandal.

Macron had previously sparked speculation of a government reshuffle last month when he promised a new political initiative after a controversial 2023 overhaul of the pension system and immigration laws, as well as riots in some cities. The recent passage of tough immigration laws has caused a rift in the ruling coalition, forcing Macron to promise a new political initiative.

Kong Anh (Source: CBS News)

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