Macron allies quit French government
The political opposition in France is seeking to put pressure on the country’s new president. It comes after French armed forces minister Sylvie Goulard unexpectedly quit her job on Tuesday, saying she did not want to stay on because of an investigation overshadowing her centre-right Modem party’s affairs in the European Parliament. Goulard is a member of the Modem party, that allied itself with Republic on the Move (LREM) in the presidential and legislative elections. Since June 9, Modem has been the subject of an investigation into allegations of misuse of public funds. Being a target of a preliminary investigation in France is not an indication of guilt. Prosecutors can decide to either drop it or proceed to a fully-fledged investigation. What prompted her decision? It followed an announcement late on Monday that Richard Ferrand, an aide to President Emmanuel Macron, and minister for territorial planning, facing a separate judicial probe, would leave government for a job as leader of his party in parliament. What does this mean for France’s cabinet reshuffle? Macron is preparing a cabinet reshuffle before embarking on a far-reaching economic and social reforms after his centrist Republic On the Move (LREM) party won a commanding majority in a parliamentary election on Sunday. The ministers’ departure gives Macron, who promised to clean up French politics, a chance to reshape his government without including names who could prove awkward. Insiders say the reshuffle, which was initially meant to be a formality after LREM’s win on Sunday, will be more far-reaching than expected. What does the opposition say? Seeking to put pressure on Macron, the conservative party The Republicans said the investigation into Modem should force the departure of its chief, Francois Bayrou, who is justice minister and European Affairs Minister. European Affairs Minister Marielle de Sarnez is also under the spotlight. De Sarnez says all options are open regarding her future. What they are saying “Defence is a demanding portfolio. The honour of our armies, that of the men and women who serve and who put their lives in danger, should not be mixed up with controversies that have nothing to do with them,” – Goulard said in a statement.
