PARIS (AP) — French Prime Minister Michel Barnier returned to work Monday after surgery this weekend for a cervical lesion, according to a rare health update from his doctor.
The 73-year-old Barnier, the eldest of the 26 prime ministers who have served France’s modern Fifth Republic, returned to the Hôtel de Matignon, the official residence, and will chair Thursday’s weekly cabinet meeting, the statement said. .
The communique from Barnier’s doctor, Dr. Olivier Hersan, shared few details about the procedure but confirmed its success, adding that the results of the lesion analysis will be available in the coming weeks.
The operation comes at a crucial time in the seventies’ career.
Barnier was only appointed by President Emmanuel Macron in September and succeeded 35-year-old Gabriel Attal, who briefly led the government as the youngest prime minister in French history.
Barnier’s appointment followed two months of political deadlock after parliamentary elections failed to deliver a clear majority, leaving a fractured National Assembly where Macron’s centrist bloc, left-wing coalition and far-right National Rally each have significant influence.
Barnier, a seasoned diplomat and former European Union Brexit negotiator, has a reputation for building consensus, which Macron hoped would help unite the divided government. His government has set ambitious priorities, including strengthening national security, reforming education and tackling France’s deepening debt crisis.
