France reshuffles cabinet

This move by President Macron is seen as aimed at renewing the political system after consecutive crises during his second term.

Specifically, Mr. Gabriel Attal, 34 years old, former spokesman of the French Government, has been appointed as Minister of Education, replacing Mr. Pap Ndiaye - who was the first African Minister of Education of France. Mr. Attal was the youngest cabinet member at only 29 years old.

The position of health minister has been given to Aurelien Rousseau, who won the trust of the Paris region's public health agency during the COVID-19 pandemic, before becoming Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne's chief of staff last year.

Other new cabinet members include Philippe Vigier, who will be minister for foreign affairs; Dunkirk mayor Patrice Vergriete, who will be minister for cities and housing; and Sabrina Agresti-Roubache, who will be in charge of urban policies. The positions of prime minister, foreign minister and interior minister will remain.

During a meeting with lawmakers on the evening of July 19, President Macron stressed that the government should respond more cautiously and thoughtfully in situations with elements of riots, and needs to have a deeper insight into the issues before drafting new policies.

Analysts say the reshuffle marks a change in France's civil society institutions, and is in line with Macron's commitment to political reform in 2017. The new cabinet members are all said to have experience in politics. The French President's Office said Macron will hold his first meeting with the new cabinet on the morning of July 21 (local time).

According to VNA