Edouard Philippe

How pension reform flip-flops have exposed the fickle nature of Macron's government

Politique — Analysis

The current bitterly-opposed pension reforms proposed by the French government are purely designed to save money and have no broader social dimension. This means that President Emmanuel Macron and his supporters are now defending a reform measure which is diametrically opposed to the initial plan they had put forward back in 2017. This U-turn tells us a great deal about the flaws and limp nature of the government writes Ellen Salvi in this analysis of how and why the pension reform plan changed so radically during President Macron's time in office.

Macron tightens his grip with change of prime minister

France — Analysis

The composition of a new French government was announced on Monday evening, following the appointment on Friday of a largely unknown senior civil servant and longstanding conservative, Jean Castex, as France’s new prime minister. He replaced Édouard Philippe, who served in the post since Emmanuel Macron’s election in 2017.  Mediapart political correspondent Ellen Salvi dresses here a portrait of the new prime minister, and chronicles the tensions that led to the departure of Philippe.

Departed French PM and ministers probed over Covid-19 response

France — Link

Former French prime minister Édouard Philippe, who stepped down on Friday to become mayor of the town of Le Havre, former health minister Agnès Buzyn and her successor Olivier Véran, are to be investigated over their handling of the Covid-19 virus epidemic after a special court for judging members of government over wrongdoing while in office accepted nine complaints lodged against them.

Macron appoints Jean Castex as France's new prime minister

France — Link

After serving three years in office, beginning with the election of President Emmanuel Macron, and days after his re-election as mayor in his political fiefdom of Le Havre, France's prime minister Édouard Philippe has been replaced by Jean Castex, 55, a high-ranking civil servant and conservative, largely unknown to the public, and who will lead a reshuffled government on what the Élysée Palace announced would be a 'new path'. 

France's Macron set for Covid test in Sunday's local elections

France — Link

France held the first round of voting three months ago as coronavirus took hold - a decision President Emmanuel Macron was widely criticised for.

How French PM's beard became symbol of coronavirus crisis

France — Link

TV viewers have watched as prime minister Édouard Philippe’s white patch grew, along with his popularity.

France to reopen cafes, bars and restaurants as lockdown relaxed

France — Link

A ban on travelling more than 100km (60 miles) has also been relaxed, but the bar on gatherings of more than 10 people remains in France.

France announces date for second round of virus-hit elections

France — Link

The first round was held on March 15th two days before France entered a nationwide coronavirus lockdown, and the  second round, scheduled for March 22, was postponed. The new date is June 28th.

French PM announces 18bln-euro rescue plan for tourism sector

France — Link

French Prime Minister Édouard Philippe on Thursday presented an 18-billion-euro package to help the country's tourist industry weather the coronavirus crisis, including cash investments and deferred loan payments, while also announcing that restaurants and bars in regions less affected by the epidemic could re-openshortly before the summer, conditional to no upsurge of cases, when French tourists would be able to holiday in the country.

France to ease lockdown to avoid economic ‘collapse’

France — Link

Businesses and some schools to reopen on May 11 but restaurants and cafés will stay closed.

French PM warns of no return to normality in short-term

France — Link

In a televised press conference on Sunday, French Prime Minister Édouard Philippe warned that despite a target of a gradual lifting of lockdown measures beginning next month it will be a long time before normal life returns to the country, adding 'we'll have to learn how to live with the virus', while discouraging summer travel plans and estimating that 'the strongest recession since 1945' will see the nation's economy contract by about ten percent. 

French hospital staff to receive bonuses for treating virus patients

France — Link

French Prime Minister Édouard Philippe has pledged frontline healthcare staff treating patients with the Covid-19 virus will receive tax-free bonus payments of up to 1,500 euros and higher overtime rates, part of an 8 billion-euro injection into the country's health system.  

Proof of French government's lies over shortages of protective masks

France — Investigation

An investigation by Mediapart has revealed the chaotic management at the highest levels of the French state over the crucial issue of providing protective masks to help tackle the Covid-19 coronavirus pandemic. Our probe, which has analysed the situation since January and is based on numerous witness accounts and documentary evidence, highlights the hidden shortages, the unreliable health instructions, the neglected offers of help with importing masks, the continuing shortage of stocks and the way that some companies have been favoured. It also reveals the lies that have accompanied this mismanagement. Meanwhile hundreds of nurses have become infected with the virus. Yann Philippin, Antton Rouget and Marine Turchi report.

PM warns toughest weeks lie ahead as French death toll reaches 2,314

France — Link

Édouard Philippe said the first two weeks of April would be harder than the last two weeks as French officials reported 319 more deaths.

France’s virus death toll rises by 186 to 860, lockdown to last 'weeks'

France — Link

As France entered the second week of a nationwide lockdown, the toal number of confirmed coronavirus cases also increased Monday to 19,856, or a rise of about 20 percent in 24 hours.