France: Prime Minister Resigns a Day After Forming Government

SadaNews - The French Prime Minister, Élisabeth Borne, submitted her resignation today, Monday, to President Emmanuel Macron, as announced by the Élysée Palace in a statement, deepening the ongoing political crisis in the country.

Borne was appointed on September 9 and faced criticism from opposition and right-wing parties after revealing her government lineup on Sunday evening, which marked the third government formation in the country within a year.

Borne was expected to present her government program before the National Assembly, the lower house of Parliament, and announce the second half of her ministerial appointments tomorrow, Tuesday.

The newly formed French government, leaning towards the center-right, exhibited internal strife just hours after announcing the key ministerial positions.

Interior Minister and leader of the conservative Republicans party, Bruno Retailleau, who retained his position, expressed his dissatisfaction with the new government lineup and announced an emergency crisis meeting for the party today, Monday.

Retailleau had previously demanded that his party receive a third of the ministerial positions, and reports indicated that he remains dissatisfied with the role and influence of conservatives in the new government, according to Radio France Internationale (RFI) citing party sources.

Reports also indicated that conservatives were angry after veteran Economy and Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire, who is set to leave his position in 2024 and belongs to Macron's centrist party, was unexpectedly appointed as Minister of Defense.

Conservative Culture Minister Rachida Dati, who also retained her post, warned the party against the consequences of withdrawing from the government. Dati stated in a post on "X" platform on Sunday evening, that "at a critical moment for the country, Republicans must not shirk their responsibilities".

Former Prime Minister François Bayrou lost a vote of confidence in Parliament on September 8, which led him to resign from leading a minority government. President Macron subsequently appointed Borne as Prime Minister.

The country is currently grappling with the highest level of debt in the European Union, amounting to approximately €3.3 trillion ($3.9 trillion).