Gabriel Attal Becomes France's Youngest and First Openly Gay Prime Minister in Sudden Leadership Change

Attal was quickly appointed by French President Emmanuel Macron after he reportedly urged the resignation of controversial Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne

Gabriel Attal has been named France’s new prime minister, making history in the process.

French President Emmanuel Macron announced his appointment of the 34-year-old rising star on Tuesday following former Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne's resignation a day prior. Attal is now the youngest and the first openly gay man to serve in the role, according to CNN.

Macron congratulated Attal on X, formerly known as Twitter, writing in French, “I know I can count on your energy and your commitment…” In his tweet, Macron said that Attal would revive “the spirit of 2017,” referring to the year he was elected 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,” Macron, 46, said during the handover ceremony, per the Associated Press.

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During the ceremony, Attal promised to strengthen school and health systems in the country and push for “better controlling immigration,” per the outlet. He also noted that his “absolute priority” would be increasing security in France.

Attal gained political prominence after being hired to serve as minister of national education and youth in Macron’s Renaissance Party in July.

Over the past several months, he worked to raise awareness of bullying in schools, but has also made some calls that have been deemed controversial, including banning students from wearing the abaya — a robe-like dress commonly used by those in Muslim culture —  in France’s public school system.

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Aside from his work, Attal has stood out among other members of the party for his communication skills and ability to field difficult questions from parliament, according to The Guardian. A poll ranked him the most popular minister in Macron's government, the AP reports.

Attal previously served as secretary of state at the education ministry, a minister of public works and public accounts, and as a government spokesman.

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His appointment comes quickly on the heels of Borne's resignation, prompted after immigration legislation passed last month to strengthen the country’s stance on deporting illegal immigrants. Under her tenure, Borne, 62, also oversaw the passage of an unpopular bill to increase the retirement age in the country from 62 to 64, leading to mass protests across the country.

Macron announced on Twitter the day prior that he had accepted her letter of resignation, writing on X that she had been "exemplary every day.”

He added, “You have implemented our project with statewomen’s courage, commitment and determination. Thank you from the bottom of my heart."

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