Rabat – On January 9, Gabriel Attal, former Minister of National Education, was appointed Prime Minister of France, succeeding Elisabeth Borne, who submitted her government’s resignation to President Emmanuel Macron the previous day.
At the age of 34, Gabriel Attal, virtually unknown to the public until his election to the National Assembly in 2017, has emerged as the youngest head of government in the history of the Fifth Republic.
In a tweet expressing gratitude for the honor, Attal declared his determination “to maintain control of [the country’s] destiny, to unleash France’s potential and to rearm our country.”
His meteoric rise, from a modest start as a Member of Parliament during Emmanuel Macron’s 2017 election to the highest echelons of political power, marks a compelling journey through the corridors of French politics.
Aligning closely with prominent figures such as Sibeth NDiaye, responsible for shaping Emmanuel Macron’s communication at the Elysee, and special adviser Ismaël Emelien, he rapidly became a trusted confidant.
His ministerial journey commenced unexpectedly, with Attal entering the government just fourteen months after his initial election.
Taking on the role of Secretary of State at the Ministry of National Education alongside Jean-Michel Blanquer, he became the youngest minister in the history of the Fifth Republic at the age of 29.
Read also: French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne Resigns
Tasked with launching the Universal National Service (SNU), a key campaign promise of Macron, Attal embraced the responsibility with vigor.
Breaking through the media noise, Attal assumed the role of government spokesperson during the height of the Covid-19 crisis.
This period allowed him to pioneer innovative communication strategies, utilizing platforms like Twitch and YouTube to engage with influencers directly from the Élysée.
Following Emmanuel Macron’s re-election, the thirty-something politician found himself at Bercy, managing Public Accounts.
In this highly technical role, Attal navigated negotiations between the Ministry of Economy and his colleagues, a position that historically has propelled ambitious young politicians to greater heights.
Amid a challenging first year for Macron’s second term, Attal was appointed to the Ministry of National Education. As the youngest minister in this role since 1958, he embarked on a mission to initiate a “shock of knowledge”.
He garnered support from the right by advocating for the ban of abayas in middle and high schools.
