By Elizabeth Pineau, Ingrid Melander and Tassilo Hummel

PARIS (Reuters) – After two months of political chaos following snap elections, French President Emmanuel Macron on Thursday named Michel Barnier as prime minister. Barnier, the EU’s former chief Brexit negotiator, pledged to cooperate across the political spectrum but provided few details on his plans.

As a discreet conservative not widely recognized in France, Barnier faces the significant challenge of navigating tough legislation, including the 2025 budget, through a hung parliament, where he is continually at risk of being ousted.

The fortunes of both Barnier and Macron hinge on the far-right National Rally (RN) led by Marine Le Pen, which has tentatively supported Barnier’s nomination but threatens to withdraw its support if their concerns regarding immigration, security, and financial issues are ignored.

Speaking from the Matignon prime minister’s residence, Barnier acknowledged the challenges, anger, and feelings of abandonment among the French populace, emphasizing the need for unity and respect.

At 73, Barnier is the oldest prime minister in modern French history, succeeding Gabriel Attal, who was the youngest. It took Macron two months to appoint him after no party secured a majority in the election.

Barnier pledged to listen to all political factions and stressed healthcare, security, employment, and reducing the national debt as his priorities.

The left, which garnered the most votes without an absolute majority, is set to challenge Barnier during his tenure. Hard-left leader Jean-Luc Melenchon claimed the election was stolen and called for protests, while RN lawmakers indicated that parliament dissolving by early July next year would be a condition for their continued support.

Barnier has positioned himself as a pro-European moderate, though he previously adopted a tougher stance on immigration when vying for his party’s presidential nomination in 2021. He has a long history of public service, having served as foreign and agricultural minister and working primarily within the EU for the last 15 years.

German Chancellor Olaf Scholz and EU Commission chief Ursula von der Leyen expressed their support for Barnier’s new role, highlighting his commitment to both European and French interests.

Macron explored various potential candidates for prime minister, but none had sufficient backing for stable governance. Financial markets reacted positively to Barnier’s appointment, with a slight rise in French bank shares and a drop in government borrowing costs.

Attention is now shifting to Barnier’s ministerial appointments, which require Macron’s approval. It is crucial for Barnier to select a finance minister who can assuage concerns in Brussels and among investors regarding France’s political and fiscal stability over the coming months.