French Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne has announced her resignation, stepping down from her position after serving less than two years.
Her departure precedes an anticipated reshuffling of President Emmanuel Macron's top team in preparation for the upcoming European elections later this year.
President Macron praised Borne's tenure, acknowledging her "courage, commitment, and determination" during her time in office, though her successor has not yet been named.
Borne will continue in her role until the appointment of the new prime minister, according to a statement from the Élysée Palace. As the second female prime minister in France and the longest-serving since Édith Cresson's term from 1991 to 1992, her resignation marks a pivotal moment in Macron's administration.
Speculation about a government overhaul has intensified as Macron aims to bolster his political standing ahead of the June elections and amidst France's hosting of the Olympic Games this year.
The need for a revitalization of his government's momentum has been emphasized by commentators, especially following protests against contentious policies and legislative setbacks.
December witnessed a significant setback for Macron's government regarding immigration legislation, culminating in a moment perceived as a crisis. Despite concessions to right-wing opposition groups, the law eventually passed, yet Macron's party anticipates a formidable challenge in the upcoming European elections.
Borne's departure signals the beginning of an expected overhaul, with several prominent figures within the government considered as potential replacements. Figures such as the 34-year-old Education Minister Gabriel Attal, Armed Forces Minister Sébastien Lecornu, and former Agriculture Minister Julien Denormandie have been mentioned as possible successors.
The French prime minister traditionally oversees the government's daily operations and leads the cabinet. Macron's party lost its parliamentary majority in 2022, posing a significant challenge for the incoming prime minister in translating the President's policies into law. Photo by Andrea Adriani © European Union 2022, Wikimedia commons.