Macron’s ‘little brother’ turns into ruthless rival to French president

Branded as Macron’s mini-me, 35-year-old Gabriel Attal is emerging as a ruthless rival to the French leader, Politico writes.

Just a few months earlier, Macron had placed his trust in Attal, making him the youngest prime minister in French history. But the president’s abrupt decision, taken in the wake of a crushing victory for the far-right National Rally, meant the 35-year-old’s time at Matignon would likely be cut short. That’s when Attal decided to take matters into his own hands.

“I didn’t choose to dissolve parliament — but I refused to remain passive,” Attal said in the aftermath of the snap elections.

Disheartened by the president’s seemingly maverick decision to call new elections and wary that his low favorability ratings could impact their reelection bids, MPs chose to rally behind the young and combative Attal rather than the toxic Macron. The soon-to-be former prime minister can now position himself free from Macron’s authority. Attal seized the moment and took control of the main centrist group in parliament, Renaissance, against the president’s wishes.

Now, the 35-year-old has his eyes set on taking over the party as well, putting him once more on a collision course with the French president — a man who once described him as being “a little bit like my little brother.”