Emmanuel Macron names first French female PM in over 30 years

Emmanuel Macron names first French female PM in over 30 years
May 17, 2022, 7:31 am

French President Emmanuel Macron gestures on the second day of the Munich Security Conference in Munich. (AP)

The Anews reported, citing the AFP, the Elysee said in a statement that President Emmanuel Macron on Monday (May 16) named Labour Minister Elisabeth Borne as his new prime minister, the first woman to head the French government in over 30 years.

Outgoing French Prime Minister Jean Castex earlier handed his resignation to the president, part of a widely expected reshuffle to make way for a new government in the wake of Macron's re-election in April.

The departure of Castex, who was a surprise choice for the role in 2020, enables Macron to reshape the cabinet ahead of crucial parliamentary polls in June.

Speculation has been rife in recent weeks about Castex's replacement, with Macron indicating he wanted a woman with left-wing and environmental credentials.

French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne - Anews

Those criteria reflect his desire to focus on schools and health in the early part of his second term, as well as the climate crisis which he has promised to prioritise.

Borne, 61, is seen as an able technocrat who can negotiate prudently with unions, as the president embarks on a new package of social reforms that ris sparking protests.

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The centrist will need a legislative majority to push through his domestic agenda following his re-election, with a new left-wing alliance and the far right threatening to block his programme.

Source: anews

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