French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne Resigns Ahead of Macron’s Cabinet Reshuffle.
In a move signaling a new phase for the French government, Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne has tendered her resignation, a decision confirmed by the French presidency. Borne’s departure aligns with President Emmanuel Macron’s imminent cabinet reshuffle, aiming to inject fresh momentum into his presidency.
The presidency released a statement acknowledging Borne’s resignation, stating, “Ms. Elisabeth Borne today submitted the resignation of the government to the president, who accepted it.” President Macron expressed gratitude to Borne for her “exemplary” service to the nation in a post on social media.
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Elisabeth Borne, who assumed office in May 2022, was the second female prime minister in French history. She will continue in a caretaker role until a new government is appointed. The timing of Borne’s resignation coincides with President Macron’s promise of a new political initiative, sparking speculations of a significant government restructuring.
The potential reshuffle follows a series of political events in 2023, marked by contentious changes to immigration and pension systems.
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With European Parliament elections just five months away, Eurosceptics are expected to gain ground amid public dissatisfaction over rising living costs and the challenges European governments face in managing migration.
Possible candidates to succeed Borne include 34-year-old Education Minister Gabriel Attal and 37-year-old Defence Minister Sebastien Lecornu, both of whom could become France’s youngest-ever prime minister. Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire and former Agriculture Minister Julien Denormandie are also cited as potential options.
While the change in prime minister may not necessarily shift political direction, it signals a desire to move beyond previous reforms and focus on new priorities, such as achieving full employment.
Macron’s administration, led by Borne, has encountered challenges in navigating a more turbulent parliament since losing its absolute majority shortly after Macron’s re-election in 2022.
The reshuffle is expected to heighten the competition within Macron’s camp for potential successors in the next presidential election in 2027.
Figures like Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire, former Prime Minister Edouard Philippe, and current Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin are viewed as potential candidates in the upcoming political landscape. The changes aim to set a new course for Macron’s administration and address pressing issues facing the nation.
