France reshuffled its government to silence dissidents that had openly criticized Socialist President Francois Hollande’s economic policy that they blame for the country’s stagnation. Outgoing economy minister Arnaud Montebourg was replaced by Emmanuel Macron, who had served as top adviser in charge of economy, following Montebourg’s statements that the government’s measures were too austere and unjust. Finance Minister Michel Sapin stayed in his place as well as other major ministers, such as those of foreign affairs and defense.
French Prime Minister Manuel Valls called for the reshuffle to silence ministers who had openly criticized Hollande’s economy policies.Montebourg was a critic of Hollande’s austerity program and was ousted following comments made over the weekend. Education Minister Benoit Hamon also lost his job after criticizing the program. Another sympathizer, Culture MInister Aurelie Filipetti also was removed.
France reshuffled its government to silence dissidents that had openly criticized Socialist President Francois Hollande’s economic policy that they blame for the country’s stagnation. Outgoing economy minister Arnaud Montebourg was replaced by Emmanuel Macron, who had served as top adviser in charge of economy, following Montebourg’s statements that the government’s measures were too austere and unjust. Finance Minister Michel Sapin stayed in his place as well as other major ministers, such as those of foreign affairs and defense.
French Prime Minister Manuel Valls called for the reshuffle to silence ministers who had openly criticized Hollande’s economy policies.Montebourg was a critic of Hollande’s austerity program and was ousted following comments made over the weekend. Education Minister Benoit Hamon also lost his job after criticizing the program. Another sympathizer, Culture MInister Aurelie Filipetti also was removed.
Macron, the new Economy Minister, is known for his pro-business ideas. He had earlier served as top adviser in charge of the economy. The 36-year-old ex-Rothschild banker is the architect of the president’s economic policy and has already come under criticism. Asked about Macron’s past in a French TV interview, Valls said: “So what? Can one not be an entrepreneur in this country? One can’t be a banker?” Valls also insisted that “to be strong in the world, you have to have a strong economy.”
Hamon was replaced by Najat Vallaud-Belkacem, the former sports and youth minister, and Filipetti was replaced by Fleur Pellerin, former minister for commerce and tourism. Sergolene Royal, Hollande’s former partner and mother of his four children, remained in her post as environment and energy minister.
A top government source said that Hollande asked all ministers to say aloud whether they could align themselves with his policies or else leave the Cabinet. His goal in the reshuffle was to promote his agenda and embody his policies of austerity. It’s these policies that have made Hollande the most unpopular president in modern French history with ratings under 20%, though his goals are lofty with promises of lowering the country’s 10% jobless rate, cutting the deficit and rekindling growth.
