Arthur de Laborde, edited by Laura Laplaud
modified to
7:53 a.m., May 13, 2022
The day after the last Council of Ministers, Jean Castex organized his farewell meal on Thursday evening in the gardens of Matignon, rue de Varenne. An atmosphere described as warm and relaxed, with a little tension among ministers, most would like to stay in government but know they are in the hot seat.
These are the last hours in the shoes of a Prime Minister for Jean Castex. The head of government goes to the Vatican on Sunday for the canonization ceremony of the French priest Charles de Foucauld. The presentation of his resignation and that of his government should normally take place immediately after. Jean Castex organized his farewell party on Thursday evening in the gardens of Matignon, rue de Varenne. On the menu: buffet, small gifts and very political farewell speeches.
A warm atmosphere
“The adventure is over, it’s a political necessity”, explained Jean Castex to the applause of his ministers. He thanked them, emphasizing the fight led by their side in the face of many hardships. To mark the occasion, the departing Prime Minister received gifts, including a rugby shirt in his name, signed by all members of the government.
Some have paid him a strong tribute, such as the Secretary of State for the Social, Solidarity and Responsible Economy, Olivia Grégoire. “It’s a lot of actions in the service of France, a lot of self-sacrifice from Jean Castex and all the interministerial commitment during this terrible crisis that we all experienced together. He is a man who is very smiling, very affable, but who also rose to the occasion,” she says.
An atmosphere described as warm and relaxed, with certainly a little tension among ministers, most would like to stay in government but know they are in the hot seat. A moment shared on social networks by the Minister Delegate to the Minister of the Interior, Marlène Schiappa.
All the government united to thank @JeanCASTEX !
Thank you for everything, Prime Minister. pic.twitter.com/OFVFhUyiOO— Marlene Schiappa (@MarleneSchiappa) May 12, 2022
While waiting to be fixed on their fate, they must manage current affairs until the last minute, as explained by the Minister of Territorial Cohesion, Joël Giraud. “There are still people who continue to write to ministries, who want answers on subjects. So we have to continue to answer.” The resignation of Jean Castex and the entire government should take place this weekend or Monday at the latest.