Macron Names First French Female PM In Over 30 Years
Sumaira FH Published May 16, 2022 | 11:31 PM
President Emmanuel Macron on Monday named Labour Minister Elisabeth Borne as his new prime minister, the first woman to head the French government in over 30 years, the Elysee said in a statement
Paris, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 16th May, 2022 ) :President Emmanuel Macron on Monday named Labour Minister Elisabeth Borne as his new prime minister, the first woman to head the French government in over 30 years, the Elysee said in a statement.
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.
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.
Speculation has been rife in recent weeks about Castex's replacement, with Macron indicating he wanted a woman with left-wing and environmental credentials.
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.
- 'Need lots of courage' - The last woman premier, Edith Cresson, told the Journal du Dimanche newspaper on Sunday that French politics remained "macho" more than 30 years after she briefly headed the cabinet from May 1991 to April 1992 under president Francois Mitterrand.
"She'll need lots of courage," Cresson said.
Macron, 44, registered a solid victory in April 24 presidential polls against far-right leader Marine Le Pen, winning by 59 to 41 percent.
Le Pen and defeated hard-left leader Jean-Luc Melenchon are both eyeing comebacks in the parliamentary elections on June 12 and 19 that would give them the ability to thwart Macron.
Melenchon recently persuaded the Socialist, Communist and Greens parties to enter an alliance under his leadership that unites the left around a common platform for the first time in decades.
Castex had intended to resign immediately after the presidential election in line with French tradition, but was persuaded by Macron to stay on while he lined up a replacement.
The bespectacled 56-year-old from rural southwest France has a no-frills style and a strong regional accent which has endeared him to many French people.
He will mostly be remembered for his management of the latter stages of the Covid-19 pandemic, delivering regular tv briefings on infection figures, shutdowns and social distancing measures.
Related Topics
Recent Stories
Robinson, bowlers help New Zealand go 2-1 up against Pakistan
Shahzeb Chachar to hold khuli kachehri on April 26
Heatwave amid Israel's aggression in Gaza brings new misery, disease risk
Tourism must change, mayor says as Venice launches entry fee
Court adjourns Judicial Complex attack case till May 17
Nasreen Noori’s book ‘Popatan Jahra Khwab’ launched
Wafaqi Mohtasib inspection team visits Excise and taxation office
AJLAC announces 5th Conference titled ‘People’s Mandate: Safeguarding Civil ..
Pak-US officials engage to enhance trade, investment ties
IBCC to promote educational excellence, expand regional presence
Pakistani 'Blue Helmets' serving UN Peacekeeping Mission in DR Congo set to leav ..
Putin says plans to visit China in May
More Stories From World
-
Slot 'confident' of Liverpool job as 'negotiations' take place
3 hours ago -
Google parent Alphabet's Q1 profits beat estimates: company
3 hours ago -
WADA asks 'independent prosecutor' to examine Chinese swimmers case
3 hours ago -
New York court overturns Harvey Weinstein sex crime conviction
4 hours ago -
Bagnaia and Spanish rivals chase victory at Jerez
5 hours ago -
Russian, Ukrainian strikes kill at least 10 in frontline regions
5 hours ago
-
Heatwave amid Israel's aggression in Gaza brings new misery, disease risk
5 hours ago -
Tourism must change, mayor says as Venice launches entry fee
5 hours ago -
Pakistani 'Blue Helmets' serving UN Peacekeeping Mission in DR Congo set to leave after 20 years of ..
6 hours ago -
Putin says plans to visit China in May
6 hours ago -
US reinstates open internet rules rescinded under Trump
6 hours ago -
Honda announces US$11 bn EV battery and vehicle plant in Canada
7 hours ago