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French Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne resigned today following recent political turmoil over immigration, paving the way for President Emmanuel Macron to seek fresh momentum by appointing a new government in coming days.
According to Associated Press, the shakeup was widely seen as an attempt by the 46-year-old centrist Macron to head off a looming lame-duck status.
Macron’s term is to end in 2027, and he won’t be able to run for president for a consecutive third term in line with the French Constitution.
In her resignation letter, Borne suggested she resigned at Macron’s request, citing the president’s “will” to “appoint a new prime minister.”
Borne’s resignation followed the passage late last month of contentious immigration legislation backed by Macron aimed at strengthening the government’s ability to deport some foreigners, among other measures.
Macron’s centrist alliance was able to pass the measure only after making a deal with the conservative Republicans party, which many observers saw as the government’s shift to the right. The tough negotiations and heated parliament debate raised questions over the ability of Borne’s government to pass future major bills.
Political observers also suggested that Macron, a staunch supporter of European integration, wants his new government to get ready for June’s European Union elections.
Borne, 62, had been appointed in May 2022 after Macron’s reelection for a second term. She was France’s second female prime minister.
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