Michel Barnier became Prime Minister of France on September 5, 2024, after Gabriel Attal’s resignation. Despite his extensive governmental experience, Barnier’s tenure was brief, ending on December 5, 2024, due to a motion of censure tied to controversial budget cuts. His wife, Isabelle Altmayer, a lawyer and active in humanitarian efforts, has been a supportive partner throughout his political journey, balancing family life with her professional commitments.
Michel Barnier’s Rise to Prime Minister
On September 5, 2024, Michel Barnier stepped into the role of Prime Minister, succeeding Gabriel Attal at the directive of President Emmanuel Macron. Following the President’s decision to dissolve the Assembly, the youngest head of government opted to resign. Thus, at the age of 73, Barnier took on this significant position. His extensive experience as a Minister in various domains including Environment, European Affairs, Foreign Affairs, and Agriculture & Food, along with his tenure as a European Commissioner, has equipped him with a deep understanding of the highest levels of government. Notably, he gained recognition as the chief negotiator for the EU during the Brexit negotiations that began in 2016.
Challenges Faced and Resignation
Despite his initial pride in this influential role, Michel Barnier’s Prime Ministership was short-lived. On December 4, 2024, just three months after assuming office, he faced a motion of censure adopted by the National Assembly. This was a direct response to the controversial 49.3 provision he invoked to pass the 2025 Social Security budget, which proposed cuts to medication reimbursements for the French populace. Following a tumultuous session, the National Assembly secured an absolute majority vote in favor of the censure motion. Consequently, Barnier was compelled to submit his resignation to President Macron on December 5, 2024. Meanwhile, his wife, Isabelle Altmayer, continues to maintain a lower profile amidst her husband’s political challenges.
Isabelle Altmayer: A Supportive Partner and Accomplished Lawyer
Throughout his career, Michel Barnier has benefitted from the steadfast support of his wife, Isabelle Altmayer. Married since January 1982, the couple has shared a journey spanning over 42 years, during which time they raised three children: Nicolas, born in 1987, and twins Benjamin and Laëtitia, born in 1990. While embracing her role as a mother, Isabelle Altmayer is also a highly qualified lawyer. She began her professional path at a law firm, dedicating a decade to that field before broadening her focus to communication. With her husband immersed in politics, she soon found herself involved as well, undertaking significant missions related to youth, women’s health, and nutrition at the Ministry of Health from 2007 to 2010, during Nicolas Sarkozy’s presidency.
Currently, she serves as the head of communication and fundraising for “La vie au Grand Air,” a foundation dedicated to child protection. Since 2007, she has presided over the humanitarian organization “Fraternité Universelle” in Haiti, offering assistance to local communities. On a personal note, Isabelle grew up in an artistic family; her brothers, Nicolas and Eric Altmayer, manage the production company “Mandarin Films,” known for the classic “OSS 117.” Though she remains discreet about her private life, Isabelle Altmayer unwaveringly stands by her husband, offering him support from behind the scenes.