French Prime Minister Jean Castex handed in his resignation on Monday after almost two years in office. Will a woman now be his successor?
Prime Minister Jean Castex after the weekly cabinet meeting at the Élysée Palace, May 11, 2022.
(dpa) The French government led by Prime Minister Jean Castex has submitted its resignation. This was announced by the Élysée Palace on Monday. This allows the re-elected President Emmanuel Macron to appoint a new cabinet. The step is considered a formality in France after a presidential election. However, it comes surprisingly late, a good three weeks after the vote. Macron accepted the resignation according to the announcement.
Macron, who defeated the right-wing EU critic Marine Le Pen more narrowly than his camp wanted, must now appoint a new prime minister. Recently there has been speculation that the 44-year-old head of state is looking for a woman for the important post. It is also eagerly awaited from which political camp the newcomer will come. According to reports, Castex will change office to his successor on Monday.
Macron’s election result was also an indication of the crumbling support that the head of state enjoys among the population. Many in the country are disappointed or frustrated by his policies. Because the next hurdle for Macron is the parliamentary elections in a month’s time, it is important for the liberal to appeal to both left-wing and conservative voters with a new government under the new prime minister.