French President Emmanuel Macron has chosen Elisabeth Borne, a left-leaning technocrat, to lead his new government, putting an end to weeks of speculation after the presidential election in April, according to Politico.
Borne, 61, was named the new prime minister of France following the resignation of Jean Castex, the Elysée said Monday.
Borne, the country’s second female prime minister after Socialist Edith Cresson in 1991-1992, will be in charge of steering through Macron’s controversial pension reform.
The president reportedly wanted to promote a woman, and said he wished to appoint “someone who was strong on social issues, environmental and production issues.”
After a handover meeting with Castex, Borne said it was urgent “to act more quickly and more strongly” on climate change. “We can achieve that in uniting the strength of our regions more strongly,” she said, adding that the “right answers” will be found by staying “close to the French people.”
She dedicated her nomination to “all the little girls” in France who should follow their dreams. Her new government is expected to be announced in the coming days.
With her experience as a senior civil servant in key areas, Borne brings a safe pair of hands to Macron’s inner circle as he pushes through a number of reforms over the next five years.