France’s prime minister, Edouard Philippe, on Friday handed in his letter of resignation and that of his government to his boss, President Emmanuel Macron, and the president accepted, said a statement by Elysee Palace.
A CABINET SHUFFLE HAS BEEN WIDELY EXPECTED
Philippe ran for and won the post of mayor of Le Havre in Sunday’s municipal elections. He is a native of the northern coastal town and had held the post prior to ascending to the national government.
In a statement to the palace, Philippe said he “ensures, with members of the government, the handling of current affairs until the appointment of a new government.”
JEAN CASTEX WILL RUN THE NEW GOVERNMENT
Macron on Friday named Jean Castex, a top civil servant and local mayor who orchestrated France’s exit from its coronavirus lockdown, as prime minister in a high-stakes cabinet reshuffle.
Castex will be tasked be forming the next government, the Elysee Palace said in a short statement. He replaces Edouard Philippe, who resigned earlier on Friday.