Macron names Jean Castex as new French prime minister after Edouard Philippe resigns
The move comes as President Emmanuel Macron plots to relaunch economy after pandemic
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.French president Emmanuel Macron has named Jean Castex as the new prime minister after Edouard Phillipe resigned earlier on Friday.
The new prime minister is a career public servant who has worked with multiple governments, and coordinated the country’s virus reopening strategy. The replacement comes as Mr Macron is reshuffling the government to focus on restarting the French economy after months of lockdown due to coronavirus.
Mr Castex, 55, served for two years as the second-highest ranking official in the Elysee Palace during Nicolas Sarkozy’s presidency.
He was described by an Elysee official as a senior civil servant hailing from the centre-right of French politics whose experience in local politics will help Mr Macron connect with provincial France.
The move by Mr Macron to refashion his centrist government comes after voters punished him and his party En Marche! in nationwide municipal elections held from March to June, revealing a surge in support for the Green party.
Mr Philippe’s own victory in the northern port city of Le Havre has been described as a “rare bright spot” by local reports for the French president, as his party was expected to perform poorly there.
It was a political gamble for Mr Macron to replace the prime minister, who is more popular with the public than himself. Political analysts say Mr Philippe has shown steadfast loyalty during waves of unrest and could emerge as a presidential rival in 2022.
But keeping Mr Philippe in office would have been problematic for Mr Macron as it would have suggested his young party lacked the depth to allow for a complete cabinet overhaul.
In an interview given to several local newspapers, before Mr Philippe’s resignation, Mr Macron praised the now-former prime minister for his “outstanding work” in the past three years.
He said he is seeking a “new path” to rebuild France for the two remaining years of his term.
“The return from summer holidays will be difficult, we must get ready,” he was quoted as saying in regional newspapers.
Mr Philippe said during his campaigning in Le Havre: “If he the president thinks someone else would be more useful as prime minister, I will in complete loyalty respect his choice.”
Additional reporting by agencies
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments