France has a woman at the head of government for the first time in 30 years. President Emmanuel Macron appointed Labor Minister Élisabeth Borne (61) as the new prime minister on Monday.
Borne had long been close to the Socialists and in 2017 joined the party La République en Marche – which has been called Renaissance since the beginning of May – by the liberal Macron. Born in Paris, she graduated from an engineering college and worked for many years in various ministries as well as for the state railway SNCF and the Paris public transport company. In 2017 she first became Associate Minister, then Minister for Ecological Transition in 2019 and Minister for Labor in 2020.
Borne succeeds Prime Minister Jean Castex, who previously submitted his resignation with his government. The step is considered a formality in France after a presidential election. It is expected that Castex will hand over official business to Borne in the evening. In the coming days, the new government team will be presented. The first cabinet meeting is scheduled to take place towards the end of the week.
Edith Cresson was the first and only woman Prime Minister of France, who held the office from May 1991 to April 1992.
Shortly after his re-election three weeks ago, Macron promised a government reshuffle. It is not obliged to do so, but wanted to convey a new political start in view of the upcoming parliamentary elections in June. Macron is also expected to change numerous cabinet members.
