Gabriel Attal, 34, made history on Tuesday as he became France’s youngest and first openly gay prime minister, following the resignation of his predecessor Elisabeth Borne over a controversial immigration law. Attal, who was previously the education minister and the government spokesperson, was appointed by President Emmanuel Macron, who praised his “energy and commitment” in a message on X.
Attal’s appointment is seen as a sign of Macron’s desire to inject new blood and dynamism into his government, as he faces growing challenges from the far-right National Rally led by Marine Le Pen, ahead of the 2027 presidential election. Macron also hopes to revive the “spirit of 2017”, when he won a surprise victory as a centrist outsider who promised to reform France’s economy and institutions.
Attal, who is of Moroccan-Jewish descent, has been a loyal supporter of Macron since joining his En Marche! movement in 2016. He was elected to the National Assembly in 2017 and became the government spokesperson in 2020. He was promoted to education minister in 2023, where he oversaw the reopening of schools amid the COVID-19 pandemic and the implementation of a new curriculum.
As the prime minister, Attal said his main goals include ensuring security, promoting respect and authority, strengthening public services, and controlling immigration. He also vowed to work closely with Macron to prepare for the upcoming European Union elections in June, where the pro-EU president hopes to counter the rise of anti-EU populists.
Attal’s personal life has also attracted attention, as he is the first openly gay prime minister in France’s history. He has been in a relationship with Stéphane Séjourné, a member of the European Parliament and a close adviser to Macron, since 2018. Attal has said that he does not want his sexuality to define him, but he is proud to be a role model for young LGBT people.
Attal’s appointment has been welcomed by many political and social figures in France, who see him as a symbol of modernity and progress. However, he also faces criticism and opposition from some conservative and far-right groups, who accuse him of being inexperienced, elitist, and out of touch with the realities of ordinary French people.