By Thomas Brent for Connexion: "She is the country’s second-ever female head of government and takes on the ‘job from hell’. We look at her life, politics and hobbies."
France has a new prime minister after President Emmanuel Macron yesterday (May 16) announced former labour minister Élisabeth Borne as the head of government.
Ms Borne, 61, takes over from Jean Castex, who announced his intention to step down and take a break following Mr Macron’s victory in the presidential elections in April.
Ms Borne’s nomination came after weeks of speculation over whom Mr Macron would name as prime minister. He is said to have been looking for someone “committed to addressing social, environmental and productivity issues”, Franceinfo reported.
On handing over power to Ms Borne, Mr Castex offered his successor a final word of advice, saying, “madame la première ministre, this role is not exempt from public exposure and criticism.
Dear Elisabeth, people even say that’s what it has been created for.”
His comment was a nod to the fact that the role of prime minister is often referred to as a “job from hell” (l’enfer de Matignon) as the person is positioned between the president and their ministers, between the majority and the opposition and is a constant target for the media.
Ms Borne’s first test will be to reshuffle the cabinet and assemble her ‘dream team’ of ministers, ahead of the legislative elections in June for France’s 577 MPs are elected.
The article ends with this comment:
‘Free time…that’s an interesting concept’
Ms Borne has said that her favourite holiday memory is going to Jordan, Wadi Rum Desert in Jordan and seeing the famous site Petra.
But she is not one to take much time off work for holidays. In 2018 she was asked by Libération what she liked to do in her free time. She replied, “free time…that’s an interesting concept”.
For the full article in pdf, please click here:
Élisabeth Borne is France’s new prime minister Pic: GERARD BOTTINO / Shutterstock
Comments