French President picks Edouard Philippe as Prime Minister

Wednesday, 17/05/2017 06:09
French President Emmanuel Macron has appointed Mr. Edouard Philippe, a 47-year-old French politician and lawyer, as Prime Minister.

Newly-appointed Prime Minister Edouard Philippe (Photo: Qtelegram)

Elysee Secretary-General Alexis Kohler made the announcement on the steps of the Elysee presidential palace.

The lawmaker and mayor of Le Havre is from the conservative Les Republicains party. He had been appraised as a favourite for the role, as Mr Macron attempts to gain support from both the left and right ahead of June's Parliamentary elections.

Philippe previously worked as a director of public affairs for French nuclear group Areva from 2007 to 2010, and as a lawyer from 2004 to 2007 with New York City-based international law firm Debevoise and Plimpton LLP.

This is the first time in recent history that a French President has appointed a Prime Minister outside his party, according to The Telegraph.

Macron faces several challenges, including tackling religious violence and uniting a very divided country. France is also grappling with very high rates of unemployment.

Earlier, Independent centrist Macron defeated Marine Le Pen by 66.06% to 33.94% to win the Presidency.

Mr Macron, 39, the youngest President in France’s history was sworn in on May 15th./.

Compiled by BTA

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