Michel BARNIER

Bio

First elected in 1972 in Savoie, Michel Barnier went on to become a Member of Parliament and then President of the Department. Together with Jean-Claude Killy, he organized the 1992 Winter Olympic Games in Albertville and Savoie. He later served as Minister of the Environment (1993–1995), Minister for European Affairs (1995–1997), Minister of Foreign Affairs (2004–2005), and Minister of Agriculture (2007–2009). Michel Barnier was twice appointed European Commissioner—first in charge of regional policy (1999–2004), and later for the internal market and financial services (2010–2014). He was then appointed Chief Brexit Negotiator for the European Union (2016–2021). In March 2021, Michel Barnier officially left the European Commission. In September 2024, he became Prime Minister of the French Republic, a position he held until the vote of no confidence in December 2024.