35-year-old Prime Minister Gabriel Attal has quickly climbed the ranks and is now being considered a potential presidential candidate. However, his rapid rise to power has not been without its challenges, particularly in the areas of finances and upcoming European elections.
Former socialist President François Hollande recently compared Attal to his conservative predecessor Nicolas Sarkozy on TV, alluding to their similarities in rhetoric and style. While Hollande’s remark was certainly not intended as a compliment, it speaks to the discontent that has been brewing around Attal since taking office just a hundred days ago. Despite being handpicked by President Macron to boost the party’s popularity ahead of the European elections in June, Attal’s tenure as Prime Minister has been met with growing disapproval from both left and right.
Attal’s energetic and visible presence across various events and platforms hasn’t been enough to sway public opinion, with his popularity ratings now in parallel with President Macron’s. As he grapples with pressing issues such as France’s finances, escalating tensions in schools, and the recent attack in Moscow, Attal finds himself in a precarious position that could potentially lead to his downfall.
Born to Tunisian-Jewish and Baltic German-Russian heritage, Attal has been a polarizing figure in French politics with his distinct background and swift ascent. His personal life, including his past relationship with fellow politician Stéphane Séjourné and subsequent separation in the interest of avoiding conflicts of interest, has largely escaped public scrutiny. Attal’s rise through the ranks of government, from becoming the youngest minister at 29 to assuming the role of Prime Minister at 35, has been marked by his decisive actions and controversial decisions, such as banning Muslim garb in schools.
Despite his youth and charisma, Attal is facing mounting pressure to address the country’s significant financial challenges, even risking a no-confidence vote that could potentially see him ousted from office. While he has expressed confidence in his ability to weather the storm, the looming threat of failure in the upcoming European elections and his party’s fading popularity hangs over his prime ministership. As he navigates these turbulent waters, Attal remains a figure that is both admired and critiqued, bearing the weight of high expectations and uncertain outcomes in the months ahead.