At the age of 34, Gabriel Attal becomes the youngest Prime Minister in recent French history, surpassing even Socialist Laurent Fabius, who took office at 37 in 1984 under François Mitterrand. Attal takes over from Élisabeth Borne, who resigned after a 20-month tenure marked by parliamentary challenges.

Formerly the education minister, Attal faces the notable responsibility of leading the French government into crucial European Parliament elections in June. His swift ascent from an obscure health ministry adviser and card-carrying Socialist a decade ago to the first openly gay occupant of Hôtel Matignon is remarkable.

In 2018, Attal assumed the role of deputy minister in the education department. His appointment, described as “eye-catching,” raises questions amid the challenges of President Macron’s second term and the mounting pressure from the nationalist right. Despite his handsome, youthful, and popular image, Attal, inspired by Macron’s vision of reshaping French politics, must navigate the evolving political landscape.