Bisina SomtoGabriel Attal, the rising star in French politics, has recently been appointed as France’s youngest prime minister at the age of 34. Known as the jeune loup de la Macronie, Attal’s political journey has been marked by rapid ascension and a commitment to driving change within the French government. Here are five key aspects that shed light on the persona and politics of Gabriel Attal.
Rise to Power
Attal’s political career took off in 2018 when, at the age of 29, he became the youngest minister in the history of France’s Fifth Republic, serving as a junior minister in the Education Ministry. Prior to this, he spent nine months as the spokesperson for La République en Marche, President Emmanuel Macron’s former party.
His swift ascent continued as he took on roles such as the French government spokesperson (2020-2022) and junior minister for public accounts (2022-2023). In July 2023, Attal was appointed as France’s education minister, marking a significant milestone in his political journey.
France’s First Openly Gay Prime Minister
Gabriel Attal is not only making history as France’s youngest prime minister but also as the first openly gay individual to hold this position. Since 2017, he has been in a civil partnership with Stéphane Séjourné, a French lawyer and Member of the European Parliament.
Attal’s sexual orientation reflects a broader trend of increasing diversity and inclusion in French politics, with other openly gay members in President Macron’s cabinet, such as Transport Minister Clément Beaune and Labour Minister Olivier Dussopt.
READ ALSO:Macron Appoints 34-Year-Old Gabriel Attal As France’s Prime Minister
Popularity with the Public
Attal’s popularity among the French public is evident, as recent polling indicated that 36 percent of respondents believed he would “make a good prime minister.” In comparison, President Macron’s approval rating stood at 27 percent as of January 2024. Speculation has arisen that Attal could be a formidable candidate to replace Macron in the 2027 elections, considering his strong support from the public.
Staunch Ally of Macron
Hailing from a family with a background in film production and law, Attal joined President Macron’s party in 2016 after a stint with the Socialist Party. A dedicated supporter of Macron, Attal campaigned for the president in 2017 and has established himself as a political frontrunner within Macron’s movement, earning the moniker of a macroniste modèle, or a model Macronist.
Close ties with former prime ministers Jean Castex and Edouard Philippe, along with a personal rapport with the president and the first lady, highlight his significance within Macron’s inner circle.
Controversial Stance on Secularism
Attal stirred controversy during his tenure as education minister when he implemented a ban on the wearing of abayas, a loose-fitting dress worn by some Muslim women, in French state schools. Justifying the move on the grounds of secularism, Attal stated that “secularism means the freedom to emancipate oneself through school” and emphasized the importance of not being able to identify students’ religions by their attire.
This decision, along with his initiatives on school uniforms and bullying, underscores Attal’s commitment to enforcing secular principles within the education system.
In autumn 2023, Attal launched an anti-bullying campaign, demonstrating his dedication to creating a safe and inclusive environment within French schools. This initiative included self-assessment questionnaires and the introduction of ‘anti-bullying brigades’ within each académie.
Somto is an Entertainment Reporter with a passion for uncovering the latest stories in the world of entertainment. As a dedicated journalist, Somto delivers in-depth reporting, exclusive interviews, and breaking news coverage.
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