France’s Prime Minister Michel Barnier returns to work after surgery for a cervical lesion

PARIS (AP) — France’s Prime Minister Michel Barnier resumed work Monday following surgery this weekend for a cervical lesion, according to a rare health update from his doctor.

Seventy-three-year-old Barnier, the oldest of the 26 prime ministers who have served modern France’s Fifth Republic, returned to the Hôtel de Matignon, the official residence, and is scheduled to lead the weekly Cabinet meeting on Thursday, the statement said.

The communiqué from Barnier’s doctor, Dr. Olivier Hersan, shared scant details about the procedure but confirmed its success, adding that results of the lesion’s analysis will be available in the coming weeks.

The surgery comes at a pivotal moment in the septuagenarian’s career.

Appointed by President Emmanuel Macron only in September, Barnier took over from Gabriel Attal, 35, who briefly led the government as the youngest prime minister in French history.

Barnier’s appointment followed two months of political stalemate after legislative elections produced no clear majority, leaving a fractured National Assembly where Macron’s centrist bloc, the left-wing coalition, and the far-right National Rally each hold significant sway.

A seasoned diplomat and former European Union Brexit negotiator, Barnier has a reputation for consensus-building, which Macron hoped would help unify the divided government. His administration has set ambitious priorities, including bolstering national security, reforming education, and addressing France’s rising debt crisis.