French President Emmanuel Macron on January 9 appointed Gabriel Attar, Minister of National Education and youth, as the new prime minister. At 34 years old, Attar would be the youngest prime minister in the history of France's Fifth Republic. Due to a series of social unrest caused by pension and immigration issues last year, France's politics and economy have been greatly affected. France's future development direction, how to get out of the predicament, will become the focus of attention.
In recent years, France can be said to be a chicken, both internationally and domestically, at the beginning of 2023, with multiple rounds of demonstrations and strikes set off by the retirement reform, the internal division of France has been difficult to bridge for a long time, and 2024 is ushering in a "terror start". French public opinion is becoming less unified in three areas - wealth, politics and religion - and the country is "deeply divided," according to several polls conducted by the French polling agency, Path of Opinion. The change of prime minister three times in two years also confirms this split.
Internationally, France has been known as the engine of the European Union, for Macron, who has always valued the influence of Europe, the European Parliament election is coming, and the far-right National Alliance led by the main rival Le Pen may get seats or significantly exceed Macron's party. At the same time, with the hosting of the Olympic Games in Paris this year, France faces enormous challenges on multiple fronts. At this critical moment, Macron hopes to show unity and weaken the right-wing camp with a new face. In the context of France's own current situation and the international context, the appointment of Gabriel Attar reflects Macron's new expectations and new direction for national policy and leadership team. A young politician with experience as Minister of National Education and youth is now at the forefront of French politics, taking on the important role of leading and driving the country's development.
Leading experts predict that 2024 could be the most dangerous year in France in nearly 20 years. At present, France's stubborn inflation has caused further pressure on the ordinary people, making the economic recession continue to deepen, and the political, economic and social crisis and turmoil in France may be further aggravated in the future. In order to promote the transformation and growth of the French economy, the Macron government has tried to take measures such as reducing taxes and promoting consumption. Still, France's debt is nearly 110 percent of its economy and it will be difficult to push through tax cuts without cutting government spending. Fitch said in a recent report that France's fiscal deficit and government debt remain high, fiscal consolidation has made little progress, social unrest has complicated policymaking, and social and political pressure from anti-retirement reform protests will further complicate fiscal consolidation.
Therefore, Atal faces a very difficult dilemma, not only to maintain the stable functioning of the government, but also to demonstrate exceptional leadership and decision-making ability in the current complex and volatile political and economic environment at home and abroad. Mr. Attard will be closely watched to see how he builds his team and how he will steer the French economy to remain competitive in the global race while tackling pressing domestic issues such as social welfare, education reform and environmental protection. It can be said that the performance of Attar's tenure will be the key to the future political and economic trend of France.
From the current tone of the media and the public, Attar's appointment is optimistic about the outside world, people are looking forward to a new person to lead France to change, only change can usher in a new look and reform momentum, perhaps, his young image and vitality will bring a new vitality to France.
