Gabriel Attal makes history as France’s first gay prime minister

In a historic move, French President Emmanuel Macron announced the appointment of Gabriel Attal as the new Prime Minister of France on Tuesday, January 9, 2024.

At the age of 34, Attal not only assumes the position as the youngest Prime Minister in French history but also becomes the first openly gay person to hold this office in the country.

This landmark appointment has garnered international attention and is seen as a significant step forward in LGBTQ+ representation in politics.

Attal’s political journey has been nothing short of remarkable. A member of the Renaissance party, he rose swiftly through the ranks after his election to the National Assembly in June 2017. His impressive trajectory includes serving as the Junior Minister to the Minister of National Education and Youth in 2018, making him the youngest person to join the French government. Subsequently, he took on roles as the Spokesperson of the Government in 2020, the Minister of Public Action and Accounts in 2022, and the Minister of National Education and Youth in 2023.

Born in Clamart, Île-de-France, Attal spent his formative years in Paris, growing up with three sisters. He pursued his education at Panthéon-Assas University and later at Sciences Po, where he earned a Master of Public Affairs in 2012. Attal’s entry into politics traces back to his participation in the 2006 youth protests in France, marking the beginning of a dedicated and impactful career in public service.

President Macron expressed confidence in Attal’s abilities, tweeting, “I know I can count on your energy and your commitment to implement the rearmament and regeneration project that I announced.”

Attal responded with gratitude, stating on Twitter, “One course: keep control of our destiny, unleash French potential and rearm our country. At work, with strength, humility and without taboos in the service of the French.”

Attal’s personal life has also been a subject of interest. He was previously in a civil union with Stéphane Séjourné, a member of the European Parliament, though the relationship ended in 2023.

Attal has been open about facing homophobic bullying in his school years and, as a politician, being a target of homophobic and antisemitic hate speech on social media.

As Gabriel Attal takes on the responsibilities of the Prime Minister, his appointment signals not only a historic moment for France but also a significant step toward greater inclusivity and representation in global politics.

The media is already speculating about his potential candidacy in the 2027 French presidential election, further underlining the impact of this groundbreaking appointment.