Gabriel Attal picked as France's youngest PM

14 Sept 22:31 Key points summarised by AI

Gabriel Attal, 34, has been appointed France's youngest and first openly gay Prime Minister by President Emmanuel Macron, aiming to inject new momentum into his presidency.
This strategic reshuffle comes ahead of crucial European parliament elections and the 2027 presidential race, where Macron's centrist forces face a strong challenge from the far-right.
Attal, known for his popularity and dynamic style, replaces Elisabeth Borne and has pledged to bring 'audacity and movement' to the government, signaling a significant change in leadership approach.
The appointment is viewed as an 'offensive strategy' by commentators to revitalize Macron's administration, though opposition leaders criticize it as a continuation of centralized power.

Macron condemns those who 'sought to bring down the Republic' after rioting mars nationwide protests

Today 12:56 Key points summarised by AI

President Macron condemned widespread rioting and looting during nationwide protests, blaming far-left activists and criminals for the "unrestrained violence" and vowing accountability for those who "sought to bring down the Republic."
Over 2,400 arrests were made as protests against rising living costs and poor school conditions escalated, causing extensive damage to public buildings and businesses in cities like Paris, Limoges (where City Hall burned), Marseille, and Lyon.
The unrest, which organizers hoped would revive the "yellow vest" movement, saw political leaders trade blame, with Macron instructing prefects to protect public buildings and potentially ban future protests to prevent further disorder.