French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe [Photo:Reuters]French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe resigned on Friday ahead of a government reshuffle by President Emmanuel Macron designed to bolster his green credentials and win back disillusioned voters ahead of a possible re-election bid. The Elysee Palace said in a statement that Philippe would handle government affairs until a new cabinet was named. In French government reshuffles, the prime minister tenders his or her resignation ahead of cabinet appointments but can still be re-named to the position. The prime minister has shown steadfast loyalty during waves of unrest and could emerge as a presidential rival in 2022. Moreover, Macron poached Philippe from the centre-right opposition and holding onto him would complicate winning back leftist voters.

Source: Standard Digital July 03, 2020 08:03 UTC