France Welcomes Second Female Prime Minister in 30 Years

President Macron Appoints Labor Minister Borne as Prime Minister for Second Term

[Asia Economy Reporter Baek Jong-min] France has appointed its second female prime minister in history.

Elisabeth Borne, the new Prime Minister of France, is raising her hand in greeting at the inauguration ceremony.
[Photo by Reuters Yonhap News]

On the 16th (local time), French President Emmanuel Macron appointed Labor Minister ?lisabeth Borne (pictured) as the successor to Prime Minister Jean Castex, who resigned.

This is the first time in 30 years that a woman has been appointed as France's prime minister since former Prime Minister ?dith Cresson led the cabinet from May 1991 to April 1992 during the presidency of Fran?ois Mitterrand. French media had anticipated that President Macron was likely to appoint a female prime minister reflecting the results of the recent presidential election.

In her inaugural speech, Prime Minister Borne said, "I dedicate my appointment to all young girls. I want to tell girls that they must do their best to achieve their dreams."

She also mentioned that she would act faster and more strongly to combat climate change and do her utmost to protect the French economy.

Prime Minister Borne has served as Minister of Transport, Minister of the Environment, and Minister of Labor in President Macron's government.

During her tenure as Minister of Transport, she pushed for reforms of the pension and welfare systems of the French National Railway Company (SNCF) and faced strikes but ultimately succeeded in passing the legislation. While serving as Minister of Labor, she succeeded in lowering the unemployment rate to its lowest level in 15 years. Borne is regarded as a professional bureaucrat from the left-wing camp. With experience negotiating with labor unions, she is also considered the right person to promote President Macron's pension reforms.