Politics

French PM Philippe resigns as Macron looks to shake up gov’t

Paris, Jul 3 (efe-epa).- French Prime Minister Édouard Philippe presented his resignation on Friday, paving the way for Emmanuel Macron to remould the government following poor results in local elections.

A statement from the Elysée Palace said Macron had accepted the resignation of Philippe and his government, which will remain in charge until a new executive is appointed.

Philippe’s stepping down is part of protocol in the French political system when the president looks to reshuffle the cabinet and does not necessarily mean he will not be offered to take on the role again with a new set of ministers.

Macron confirmed in an interview with local press on Friday morning that he sought to shake up his government but fell short of revealing his plans for Philippe.

During the recent municipal elections, Philippe retained his other post as the mayor of the northern city of Le Havre, a role he is set to officially resume on Saturday.

The remodelling of the French government could take several days.

Macron has on several occasions expressed his desire to shift the liberal La République en Marche government towards a greener manifesto, especially given the success of green candidates in the local vote.

Candidates presented by the Europe Ecologie Les Verts (EELV) won in major cities like Lyon and Bordeaux, as well as Strasbourg, Annecy and Tours.

Macron’s LREM was punished at the polls.

The next round of presidential elections is due to go ahead in 2022.

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