PARIS. The D-Day of a government reshuffle in France and, probably, a changing of the guard in Matignon could already be tomorrow. This was revealed today by some French media, BmfTv, Journal du Dimanche, Europe 1, citing sources close to the Elysée. There is talk of the departure of Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne who was already at the center of attention last June during the previous change of executive. Today her escape seems more and more likely.
Many names are circulating in these hours to take his place: the Minister of Defense Sebastien Lecornu, Bruno Le Maire, Minister of Economy: the hypothesis of the former president of the National Assembly Richard Ferrand seems to be moving away while that of one of Macron's loyalists, former Agriculture Minister Julien Denormandie.
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ILARIO LOMBARDO
The intentions of a change in the owner of the Elysée emerged when he decided to postpone the first council of ministers of 2024, scheduled for January 3, shaking the entire government team. A decision as a direct consequence of the split in the majority on the controversial immigration law, passed last month despite the vote against by a quarter of Renaissance deputies, among its most left-wing exponents. According to some sources, the fact that Macron “particularly” thanked Borne in his end-of-year greeting message should be considered a sign that his departure is very close, after 20 months spent in Matignon. Among the eligible candidates, Lecornu has on his side the fact of being able to negotiate with the right-wing deputies of Les Republicains, a particularly useful opening in the absence of an absolute majority in Parliament. While Le Maire, in office since 2017, has long aspired to lead the government and is a well-known face among the French, even if he is not part of Macron's closest trusted team.
Richard Ferrand, a personality very close to the head of state, former president of Parliament and former socialist, would be able to reassure the left wing of Renaissance. Finally, the last candidate Denormandie, who has officially left politics to work in an investment fund, young and determined, would be for Macron the guarantee of one of his most faithful at the helm of the government.
One thing is certain: Macron should leave at home the ministers who are openly critical of the immigration law, starting with Transport Minister Clement Beaune. The same fate should befall Rima Abdul-Malak (Culture), Patrice Vergriete (Housing), Sylvie Retailleau (Higher Education) and Agne's Firmin-Le Bodo (Health). Furthermore, the president is apparently considering the formation of a limited government, a possibility already raised in April 2022, compared to the one in office, made up of 39 members after the last reshuffle last July. A scenario that would involve the merging of different ministries, therefore with broader responsibilities for the future holders. Already looking beyond the expected reshuffle, Macron, halfway through his second five-year mandate, is instead focusing on important events to relaunch the presidency and the image of France. Among these will be the Paris 2024 Olympics, the 80th anniversary of the landing and the reopening of Notre-Dame cathedralwith the aim of creating «a vintage of French pride».
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