French PM Élisabeth Borne resigns ahead of expected reshuffle

PARIS — France’s Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne is to leave office after less than two years in the job.

Her resignation comes with President Emmanuel Macron widely expected to reshuffle his top team ahead of European elections due later this year.

In a statement, Macron said Borne had shown “courage, commitment and determination” during her time in office.

It is not yet known who will be appointed as her successor.

Borne will remain in post until a new prime minister takes over, a statement from the Élysée Palace said.

She was France’s second female prime minister and longest serving, outlasting Édith Cresson who served in the role under François Mitterrand from 1991-92.

Reports of an overhaul of the government have been rife in recent weeks as Macron looks to boost his political fortunes ahead of June’s election and in a year when France will be center stage when it hosts the Olympic Games.

With three years left of his presidency, commentators have said an overhaul is necessary to revive his government’s political impetus after a series of protests over controversial policies and legislative defeats.

His government suffered a significant defeat on a key piece of immigration legislation in December, which was widely seen as a moment of crisis.

The law eventually passed after concessions were made to right-wing opposition groups but Macron’s party is still expected to face a strong challenge in the European poll.

Borne’s departure will be seen as the beginning of that overhaul, with several key figures in government tipped to replace her.

The 34-year-old education minister Gabriel Attal, armed forces minister Sebastien Lecornu and ex-agriculture minister Julien Denormandie have all been tipped as potential replacements.

France’s prime minister is expected to manage the day-to-day business of the government and heads the Cabinet.

Macron’s party lost its parliamentary majority in 2022, meaning the new prime minister will face an uphill struggle to turn the President’s policies into law. — BBC