French PM Elizabeth Borne resigned from office on Monday. President Emmanuel Macron was earlier considering a cabinet reshuffle in France to rejuvenate his government. Prime Minister Elizabeth Borne’s position became uncertain after Parliament rejected an immigration bill proposed by Macron, leading to speculations about her replacement.
Macron met with Borrne to discuss flooding in northern France and winter conditions, after which cabinet reshuffling speculations arose. Potential successors for the prime minister post include Sebastian Loru, a 37-year-old Armed Forces Minister who joined Macron in 2017, and Julien Dorand, a 43-year-old former agriculture minister with a decade-long association with Macron.
What was the immigration bill that was rejected?
President Macron wanted to pass an immigration bill to show that he was tough on law and order while keeping France open to foreign workers. However, he faced challenges due to opposition from left-wing lawmakers and criticism from some conservatives and the far right. The bill aimed to make it easier to expel foreign criminals, including those who arrived in France before the age of 13. There were debates on whether non-EU migrants should keep getting free medical coverage, and the government wanted to legalize workers in industries with labor shortages like cafes and restaurants.
Reasons for Cabinet Reshuffle and PM Borne’s resignation
French PM Elisabeth Borne resigned, prompting President Macron to reshuffle the cabinet for the final three years. Gabriel Attal, 34, is likely the new PM, possibly the youngest and first openly gay. The reshuffle aims to tackle challenges like protests, lost majority, and controversies. Crucial for Macron’s image and to counter far-right leader Marine Le Pen. Attal is favored over others like Lecornu and Denormandie.
The reshuffle addresses policy and political challenges, balancing public concerns and supporting Macron’s centrist agenda. The European Parliament elections are a crucial test for Macron’s party; the PM choice reflects his strategy.
The European Parliament elections have now been said to serve as a crucial litmus test for Macron’s party, and that the choice of the new prime minister reflects Macron’s strategy to navigate these challenges successfully.
The resignation of Elisabeth Borne marks the end of her tenure as the second woman to lead the French government. Despite various challenges, doubts about her political future have persisted. Macron acknowledged her service without explicitly mentioning her resignation in a social media post.
Uncertainty regarding other posts
There is an uncertainty extending to other key posts, including Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin, who led the immigration reform. Although he was initially seen as a potential candidate for a new role, recent reports suggest he might remain in his current position as a foreign minister.
Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna’s future is also under question adding to the uncertainty surrounding Macron’s new cabinet.
Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire, the only senior minister in office since Macron’s election in 2017, is expected to retain his position which would be providing a sense of continuity.
