Macron's cabinet reshuffle faces major criticism
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The cabinet reshuffle is preceded by Macron's blow in securing a parliamentary majority.
French President Emmanuel Macron reshuffled his administration on Monday, seeking a new start for his second term after failing to secure a legislative majority last month.
Earlier, France risked a prolonged political deadlock after opposition parties gave Macron the cold shoulder after he called for "compromises" to keep France governable following an indecisive parliamentary election.
While he eventually caved to French public pressure by replacing Damien Abad, the minister of solidarity and social cohesion who is under investigation for rape, there was no hint of a dramatic rejuvenation that may turn Macron's prospects around.
The overhaul on Monday included the successor for Abad, French Red Cross president Jean-Christophe Combe, and emergency doctor Francois Braun as health minister.
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Laurence Boone, the OECD's senior economist, was chosen Europe minister, succeeding Macron loyalist Clement Beaune, who became known for his rhetorical sparring with Brexit supporters. Beaune was assigned to the Ministry of Transportation.
Other positions in Macron's 41-member cabinet were primarily filled by lawmakers from Macron's various groups. Foreign, finance, and defense ministries were all retained.
Christophe Bechu, mayor of Angers in the Loire Valley and a close supporter of former Prime Minister Edouard Philippe, was chosen as environment minister, a position long coveted by the president as a high priority for the next five years.
A political commentator for France Culture called it "a message to the troops: loyalty will be rewarded. Looking ahead to the coming months, when votes on new laws are likely to come down to just a few votes."
Communist Party chief Fabien Roussel told LCI that there were no surprises here, adding that he "feels like they're just starting over again with the same people."
The new administration will face its first test on July 6, when Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne presents her ideas to parliament.
The administration has not said if it would convene a customary high-stakes confidence vote in the aftermath.
Far-right leader Marine Le Pen Tweeted that "In a mere press release, Emmanuel Macron announces the new government. Those who failed are all reappointed," adding that he "ignored" french demands for different politics.
The once-omnipotent president will now need to find friends in a parliament dominated by the far-right and the left-wing coalition NUPES, both of which are widely antagonistic to his leadership.
Opposition groups have ruled out any formal coalition, allowing the administration to garner support wherever it can while laws are debated.
Le Monde newspaper commented on "presidential hesitations" and "ideological vagueness" at the Elysee palace, stating that "Whereas yesterday he opposed 'imperfect compromises', from now on the president will have to resign himself to them."
