France’s PM resigns ahead of cabinet reshuffle

Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne of France resigned on Monday ahead of a widely expected cabinet reshuffle by President Emmanuel Macron, as he attempts to inject new energy into his presidency at the start of a year of major events in France, including European Parliamentary elections and the Summer Olympics in Paris.

Borne, 62, was appointed as prime minister shortly after Mr. Macron’s election to a second term in May 2022, and is only the second woman to occupy that position.

But her time in office has been marked by political and social unrest — from anger in the streets and in Parliament over a pension overhaul to riots over the police shooting of a teenager — and Mr. Macron has appeared increasingly intent on appointing a fresh face.

Macron’s office said he had accepted Ms. Borne’s resignation, little more than a formality given his widely reported desire to replace her. Ms. Borne will continue to handle “current affairs” until a new cabinet is appointed, the office said.

Macron is expected to appoint Ms. Borne’s replacement on Tuesday morning.

Several of his current or former ministers have emerged as contenders in recent days, including Sébastien Lecornu, his defense minister; Julien Denormandie, Mr. Macron’s former agriculture minister, who helped him start his political movement; and Gabriel Attal, another longtime ally who is currently education minister._Agencies.