Macron Names Governing Party Chief New Interior Minister in Reshuffle

Local Editor

The appointment of Macron's party chief and close ally is believed to strengthen his office after the departure of Gerard Collomb for Lyon mayor bid put his government under increased pressure.

French President Emmanuel Macron handpicked Christophe Castaner, chief of his ruling party La République En Marche! to the post of interior minister following a series of chaotic resignations in the government, Reuters reported on Tuesday.

Castaner, 51, is one of Macron's most enduring allies; he has been a socialist for nearly three decades before he joined the 40-year-old centrist's presidential campaign.

Castaner's appointment was part of a major government reshuffle, which included a new agriculture minister, culture minister and minister for overseas territories.

An official in Macron's office heaped praise on the balance in France's cabinet. "We have both incoming names with a reputation in their areas of expertise, which will strengthen the government's efficiency, and others who have a broader profile," the official said.

Macron accepted the resignation of his early ally, Interior Minister Gerard Collomb, on October 3. Collomb explained that he wanted to quit the post so that he could run for a mayor of his hometown Lyon, the post he occupied from 2001 to 2017. Prime Minister Edouard Philippe had been in charge of the country's domestic policy until the replacement was found.

Collomb's move was seen by critics as a huge blow to Macron's presidency as it came a few weeks after the president was forced to replace his environment minister, Nicolas Hulot, who blamed the government for failing to prioritize environmental issues, and sports minister, Laura Flessel.

It emerged earlier this year that Macron's ratings were on a downwards trajectory.

Source: News Agencies, Edited by website team