Newly named prime minister Jean Castex arrives for the hand over ceremony at the prime minister’s residence in Paris (Michel Euler/AP)The new French prime minister has said he feels ready to face the key challenge of reviving France’s economy following the damage caused by the Covid-19 pandemic and a two-month nationwide lockdown. “Given the exceptional circumstances our country is in, … I realise the immense task ahead,” Mr Castex said in a written statement. Expand Close Outgoing French prime minister Edouard Philippe, left, and newly appointed premier Jean Castex pose before the handover ceremony (Michel Euler/AP) AP/PA Images / FacebookTwitterEmailWhatsapp Outgoing French prime minister Edouard Philippe, left, and newly appointed premier Jean Castex pose before the handover ceremony (Michel Euler/AP)France’s gradual reopening since May 11, a task the new prime minister oversaw, has been seen as generally successful so far. His appointment as prime minister does not require parliamentary approval. A conservative, former member of The Republicans’ party, he had joined Mr Macron’s government in May 2017.

Source: Irish Independent July 03, 2020 16:18 UTC