History of Gabriel Attal in Timeline
Gabriel Nissim Attal de Couriss is a French politician who has served as the Prime Minister of France since January 2024.
March 1989: Upbringing and Family Background
Born in March 1989, Attal was raised in Paris with three sisters. His father pursued law and film production, while his mother worked for a film company. Raised in his mother's Orthodox Christian faith, he wouldn't adhere to it later.
March 1989: Birth of Gabriel Attal
Gabriel Attal was born in Clamart, Île-de-France in March 1989.
1995: Previous Record for Youngest Government Member
In 1995, François Baroin set the record for the youngest member of a government under the Fifth Republic, which Attal would later surpass.
2006: Participation in Youth Protests
Attal's political engagement became evident in 2006 when he actively took part in youth protests held in France.
2007: Completion of Baccalauréat
Attal's academic journey began at École alsacienne, culminating in him earning his Baccalauréat with "Mention Très Bien" in 2007.
2007: Support for Íngrid Betancourt
During his time at Sciences Po in 2007, Attal demonstrated his commitment to social causes by establishing a committee to support Íngrid Betancourt, a Franco-Colombian hostage.
2008: Law Studies at Panthéon-Assas University
In 2008, Attal enrolled at Panthéon-Assas University to pursue a law degree, furthering his academic pursuits.
2009: Work at the French Academy in Rome
Attal's experiences extended beyond academia, as he worked alongside Éric de Chassey, the director of the French Academy in Rome, starting in 2009.
2010: Conclusion of Work at the French Academy in Rome
In 2010, Attal concluded his time at the French Academy in Rome, marking the end of his work with Éric de Chassey.
2011: Completion of Law Studies
Attal successfully completed his law studies at Panthéon-Assas University in 2011.
2012: Master's Degree from Sciences Po
Adding to his academic credentials, Attal earned a Master of Public Affairs from Sciences Po in 2012.
2012: Advisor to the Minister of Health
After an internship at the French National Assembly, Attal served as an advisor to the Minister of Health, starting in 2012. His responsibilities included parliamentary liaison and speechwriting.
2014: Election as Socialist Party Councilor
In the 2014 municipal elections, Attal secured a position as one of the four Socialist Party councilors of Vanves. After the resignation of the socialist list leader, he assumed the role of leading the opposition.
June 2017: Election to the National Assembly
Attal's political ascent continued as he secured a seat in the National Assembly, representing Hauts-de-Seine's 10th constituency in June 2017.
December 2017: Rapporteur on Higher Education Bill
Attal's expertise was recognized in December 2017 when he was appointed as the rapporteur for a bill concerning access to higher education.
January 2018: Chairperson of La République En Marche!
In January 2018, Attal assumed a leadership role within La République En Marche! by being named chairperson.
September 2018: Candidacy for President of La République En Marche!
Following Richard Ferrand's election as president of the National Assembly in September 2018, Attal put himself forward as a candidate to succeed Ferrand as president of the La République En Marche! group. However, considered a frontrunner, he withdrew his candidacy the day before the election and endorsed Roland Lescure.
October 2018: Secrétaire d'État to the Minister of National Education and Youth
Attal's political trajectory reached new heights on October 16, 2018, when he was appointed Secrétaire d'État (junior minister) to the Minister of National Education and Youth, Jean-Michel Blanquer. This appointment made him the youngest member of a government under the Fifth Republic, surpassing François Baroin's 1995 record by a few months. His responsibilities included addressing youth issues and establishing a universal national service.
2018: Junior Minister to the Minister of National Education and Youth
In 2018, Attal assumed the role of Junior Minister to the Minister of National Education and Youth, marking a significant milestone as the youngest individual to serve in the French government.
2018: Public Revelation of Sexual Orientation
In 2018, Juan Branco, Attal's former classmate from École alsacienne, publicly revealed his sexual orientation on Twitter. At the time, Attal was in a civil union with Stéphane Séjourné, a relationship that ended by 2024.
2020: Government Spokesperson
Attal's responsibilities grew in 2020 when he was appointed as the government spokesperson under Prime Minister Jean Castex.
2020: Government Spokesperson under Jean Castex
From 2020 to 2022, Attal served as the government spokesperson during Jean Castex's tenure as Prime Minister.
May 2022: Minister of Public Action and Accounts
In May 2022, Attal's portfolio expanded as he assumed the role of Minister of Public Action and Accounts within Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne's government.
2022: Minister of Public Action and Accounts
Attal's political journey led him to become the Minister of Public Action and Accounts in Élisabeth Borne's government in May 2022.
2022: Formation of a Minority Government
Following the 2022 legislative elections, Attal was tasked with forming a government. However, lacking a parliamentary majority, he established a minority government—the second since Macron's presidency began. His cabinet appointments, notably leaning towards the right, drew attention for featuring over half of senior ministers from the conservative UMP/LR party.
July 2023: Minister of National Education and Youth
In a cabinet reshuffle in July 2023, Attal was appointed Minister of National Education and Youth, becoming the youngest person to hold this position under the Fifth Republic. Notably, he made the decision to ban abayas in French public schools, citing the "principle of secularism" and extending existing restrictions on religious symbols.
2023: Minister of National Education and Youth
In July 2023, Attal took on the role of Minister of National Education and Youth, further solidifying his position in French politics.
January 2024: Youngest G7 Head of Government
Following his appointment in January 2024, Attal, at 34, became the youngest person and the first openly gay individual to lead a G7 nation, marking a historic moment.
January 2024: Appointment as Prime Minister
Following Élisabeth Borne's resignation on January 8, 2024, Attal emerged as a frontrunner to succeed her. His appointment as Prime Minister, announced on January 9, 2024, marked a historic moment, making him the youngest and first openly gay individual to hold this position in France. At 34, he also became the world's youngest serving head of state or government.
January 2024: Decision to Forgo Vote of Confidence
On January 16, 2024, Attal, following the precedent set by Élisabeth Borne, announced his decision not to seek a vote of confidence from the National Assembly, a move implicitly permitted by the French Constitution.
2024: End of Civil Union with Stéphane Séjourné
By 2024, Attal's civil union with Stéphane Séjourné had come to an end.
2027: Potential Presidential Contender
Attal's rising popularity has sparked speculation in French media, suggesting him as a potential candidate for the 2027 presidential election, potentially succeeding Macron.
