Ending weeks of speculation, the Elysee confirmed Borne’s nomination in a statement and she then headed to the Matignon residence of the premier in Paris for the handover with Castex.
“Nothing can stop the fight for the place of women in our society,” she said at the handover, dedicating her appointment to “all the little girls” who should ‘realise their dreams.’
A former environment minister, Borne also notably urged a “quicker and stronger” reaction to the “climatic and ecological challenge”.
In a tweet addressed to ‘Madam Prime Minister,’ Macron set out their priorities.
‘Ecology, health, education, full employment, democratic revival, Europe and security. Together, with the new government, we will continue to act tirelessly for French people,’ he said.
Borne, 61, is seen as an able technocrat who can negotiate prudently with unions, as the president embarks on a new package of social reforms that notably include a rise in the retirement age which risks sparking protests.
A French presidential official, who asked not to be named, described Borne as a woman of “conviction, action and realisation,” noting her “capacity to carry out reforms.”
“It was high time there was another woman,” Cresson, who knows Borne personally, told reporters.
“She is a remarkable person, with great experience in the public and private sectors… She’s a very good choice because she’s a remarkable person, not because she’s a woman,” she added.
She expressed amazement that it had taken France — which has never had a female head of state — so long to have another woman prime minister.
“France is very behind — not the French population but the political class,” added Cresson, who was the target of numerous sexist attacks during her time in office.
Macron, 44, registered a solid victory in April 24 presidential polls against far-right leader Marine Le Pen, winning by 59 to 41 percent.
Le Pen and defeated hard-left leader Jean-Luc Melenchon are both eyeing comebacks in the parliamentary elections on June 12 and 19 that would give them the ability to thwart Macron.
Africa Today News, New York
