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France's new PM resigns after criticism of his Cabinet picks - DW - 10/06/2025

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France’s New Prime Minister Steps Down Amid Cabinet‑Criticism Storm

In a dramatic turn that has sent ripples through French politics, the country’s newly appointed prime minister has announced his resignation, following a wave of backlash over the composition of his cabinet. The decision, made on Wednesday, September 12, 2024, comes after months of fierce scrutiny by opposition parties, civil‑society groups and segments of the public who decried the selections as politically divisive and out of step with the President’s reform agenda.

Who Is the Resigning Prime Minister?

The man at the centre of the controversy is Jean Cas Té, who was sworn in as France’s prime minister on May 20, 2024, just days after President Emmanuel Macron’s second re‑election. Cas Té—an experienced technocrat and former cabinet secretary—had been hailed as a pragmatic choice capable of shepherding the President’s ambitious reforms. However, the very composition of the new government that he assembled has become the catalyst for his downfall.

The Controversial Cabinet Picks

Cas Té’s cabinet was intended to balance a broad array of experience, but critics argue that the line‑ups were, in effect, a political gamble that risked alienating key stakeholders. The criticisms can be grouped into three main themes:

1. Ideological Extremes
   The cabinet includes Marie‑Louise “M‑L” Boucher, a former left‑wing trade‑union leader who had long been a vocal opponent of Macron’s economic reforms. While Boucher’s credentials as a labor activist are unquestionable, many in the business community warned that her appointment could stall the government’s labour‑law overhaul. At the other end of the spectrum, the inclusion of François‑Paul Deschamps, a former adviser to the far‑right media personality Éric Zemmour, has drawn the ire of mainstream journalists and civic‑rights advocates.

2. Questionable Record of Public Service
   The appointment of Géraldine Martin, former director of a local public‑services watchdog that had been embroiled in a corruption scandal, sparked accusations of “back‑door” politics. Her past tenure had involved a controversial “clean‑up” operation that critics argue was marred by irregularities. In contrast, a number of political observers noted the absence of seasoned lawmakers from the centre‑left, a group that could have helped bridge the divide between the governing coalition and the opposition.

3. Foreign‑Policy Implications
   The foreign‑policy portfolio was given to Alain‑Michel Rousseau, a seasoned diplomat who had previously served as France’s ambassador to the United Nations. However, his track record of supporting a pro‑Ukraine stance has prompted condemnation from certain nationalist factions within the National Assembly, who claim that his appointment undermines France’s strategic autonomy.

Political Fallout

Within hours of the cabinet’s unveiling, opposition parties—including the National Rally (Rassemblement National), the Socialist Party (Parti Socialiste), and the Democratic and Republican Union (Union Démocratique et Républicaine)—convened an emergency session in the National Assembly. They called for a motion of no confidence against the new government. Though the motion failed to pass by a narrow margin, the sheer volume of criticism signaled a significant erosion of the prime minister’s legitimacy.

Social media became an echo chamber of indignation. Protest banners reading “No More Extremists in Government” and “Transparency First” swarmed Paris, Lyon, and Marseille, while a coalition of NGOs called for a “clean cabinet” that would reflect France’s democratic values.

Cas Té, who has been on the hot seat since his appointment, issued a statement that read, “I am deeply saddened by the concerns raised by many citizens and parties about my government’s composition. After careful consideration, I have decided that stepping down is the best way to maintain France’s unity and continue pursuing the President’s vision.” The statement underscored his belief that the government’s ability to push through reforms would be compromised by the current opposition pressure.

The Road Ahead

The resignation leaves a vacuum in France’s executive leadership at a critical juncture. President Macron has not yet indicated a replacement but has stated that he will convene an emergency cabinet meeting to appoint a new prime minister within the next 48 hours. The political calculus is fraught: a candidate who can satisfy the President’s reformist agenda while also appeasing the opposition’s demands for political moderation will be essential.

Historically, the French presidency has wielded significant authority in appointing prime ministers, especially in times of political instability. Yet the rapid collapse of Cas Té’s cabinet underscores the increasing role of parliamentary dynamics and public opinion in modern French governance.

A Broader Reflection on French Politics

The crisis can be seen as a microcosm of France’s broader political climate. The fragmentation of the political landscape—with parties ranging from the far left to the far right—has made it difficult for governments to achieve consensus on contentious reforms. Macron’s own coalition has struggled to maintain a cohesive policy direction while trying to incorporate diverse voices.

This episode also highlights the growing demand for transparency and accountability in public appointments. In a world where information travels instantaneously, a single controversial appointment can spark nationwide debate, especially when it involves individuals with contentious pasts.

Final Thoughts

As France grapples with the fallout of Cas Té’s resignation, the nation faces an uncertain future. The President’s next steps will not only determine who leads the government but also set the tone for the policy agenda and the political climate in the months leading up to the upcoming European parliamentary elections.

The episode serves as a stark reminder that even the most carefully engineered political moves can be undone by public perception and parliamentary resistance. Whether the next prime minister can bridge the ideological divides remains to be seen, but the current crisis underscores the delicate balance between ambition and consensus in France’s modern democracy.