The Elysee Palace announced on Monday that Prime Minister Elizabeth Bourne has submitted her resignation from her position, and will take charge of business until a new government is appointed. The palace stated in a statement that President Emmanuel Macron thanked her for her service, according to Agence France-Presse. Elizabeth Bourne’s resignation comes at a time when Macron seeks to give new momentum to his second term before the European Parliament elections and the Olympic Games in Paris this summer.
Macron sparked speculation about a government reshuffle in December by promising a new political initiative. This is after the year 2023 witnessed political crises resulting from controversial reforms to the retirement system and immigration laws.
The reason for the resignation of Elizabeth Bourne
The change in prime minister comes after a year marred by political crises triggered by contested reforms of the pension system and immigration laws.
It also comes just five months before European Parliament elections, with eurosceptics expected to make record gains at a time of widespread public discontent over surging living costs and the failure of European governments to curb migration flows. Opinion polls show Macron’s party is trailing far-right leader Marine Le Pen by around eight to ten points for the June EU election. Speculation of a government reshuffle had been rife since Macron in December promised a new political initiative.
Borne became the second female prime minister of France in May 2022. Her resignation coincides with recent political tensions over contentious immigration legislation backed by Macron to enhance the government’s ability to deport some foreigners. Before that, Borne faced fierce criticism for bypassing parliament to push through unpopular pension reforms.
Under the French system, the president sets general policies and appoints a prime minister to manage the day-to-day affairs of the government, meaning the latter is often held responsible when the administration faces turbulence. Macron’s office did not name a successor for Borne, but she will act as caretaker until a new government is named.
Meanwhile, amid days of intense behind-the-scenes maneuvering, Education Minister Gabriel Attal appeared to emerge as the favorite to be France’s next prime minister.
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