old faces and new heads

He had been expected for four days. It was at 4:30 p.m., Friday, May 20, that the suspense ended, when the secretary general of the Élysée, Alexis Kohler spoke and unveiled the government of Elisabeth Borne. “The President of the Republic has appointed Mr Bruno Le Maire Minister of the Economy and Finance and of Industrial and Digital Sovereignty”, did he declare. Bruno Le Maire takes the lead with an expanded portfolio and becomes number two in the government. By remaining at the head of Bercy, he holds the record for longevity in this position. Gérald Darmanin, another figure on the right, is also returned to Place Beauvau. Just like Éric Dupond-Moretti, a time anticipated to leave the post of Keeper of the Seals. He remains Minister of Justice despite an indictment for illegal taking of interests.

They too remain in Emmanuel Macron’s team but change ministries: Sébastien Lecornu becomes Minister of the Armed Forces, Brigitte Bourguignon Minister of Health and Prevention, while his predecessor, Olivier Véran, will be in charge of relations with the Parliament. Government spokesman for nearly two years, Gabriel Attal will take care of public accounts. He is replaced in this high-profile position by Olivia Grégoire, previously Secretary of State for the Social Economy.

Emmanuel Macron wanted to make ecology a priority for this new government by placing it directly under the authority of Elisabeth Borne, with two ministries attached to it. The energy transition, embodied by Agnès Pannier-Runacher and the ecological transition of which Amélie de Montchalin takes the lead. Finally, some new faces join the government, including Pap Ndiaye, a history teacher who becomes Minister of National Education. Rima Abdul Malak takes over the Culture portfolio. A perfectly equal government of 14 women and 14 men. Everyone will gather around the President of the Republic for the very first Council of Ministers on Monday May 23 at 10 a.m. sharp.