In a surprising move to revitalize his second term, President Emmanuel Macron has announced the appointment of Gabriel Attal, 34, as the new prime minister of France. Attal, who previously served as the education minister and has held various government positions since Macron's election in 2017, now becomes the youngest prime minister in the history of France, as well as the country's first openly gay prime minister.

The decision to replace Elisabeth Borne, 62, with Attal was met with mixed reactions. Borne, who had been vocal about her discontentment with being forced out, will now step down from her position. However, Macron made it clear that he sees in Attal a leader who embodies his own disruptive image. In a message addressed to Attal on X, formerly Twitter, Macron expressed his confidence in the new prime minister's energy and commitment to push through the project of civic rearmament and regeneration that he has announced.

Despite being considered France's most popular politician, according to a recent Ipsos-Le Point opinion poll, Attal's approval rating stands at just 40 percent. This suggests that while he enjoys a significant level of support, there is still work to be done to gain the trust and approval of the French public.

Macron's second term has been marked by contentious issues, such as a pensions bill that raised the legal retirement age and a restrictive immigration bill that pleased the right-wing. With Attal's appointment, Macron hopes to continue his agenda of bold reforms and bring a fresh perspective to the government. Attal's young age and his close alliance with Macron since joining his campaign in 2016 make him a potential presidential candidate in the next election, set to take place in April 2027.

However, this prospect does not sit well with other ambitious politicians in the French political landscape. Figures like Bruno Le Maire, the finance minister, and Gerald Darmanin, the interior minister, have openly expressed their own presidential ambitions. Nonetheless, for Macron, having a protege like Attal in the mix for succession would allow him to maintain some control over the future direction of the country.

In his first statement after his appointment, Attal expressed his commitment to unleashing France's potential and taking control of the country's destiny. Standing alongside Borne in the courtyard of the Prime Minister's residence, Attal emphasized that his youth, as well as Macron's, symbolizes boldness and movement. However, he also acknowledged the skepticism many in France have towards their political representatives, indicating that he is aware of the challenges he will face in gaining the trust of the French people.

As Attal assumes his new role as prime minister, all eyes will be on him to see how he navigates the political landscape, implements Macron's agenda, and works towards gaining the support and approval of the French public. With his youth, energy, and close ties to Macron, Attal has the potential to make a significant impact on French politics and potentially shape the future of the country.