France changed head of Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Stephane Sejourne during the plenary session of the European Parliament in Strasbourg in 2022 (photo: flickr.com)
In France today, January 11, the government of Gabriel Attal underwent a cabinet reshuffle. Changes included the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, now headed by Stephane Sejourne, replacing Catherine Colonna, report High Representative of the European Union for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josep Borrell, and the edition Le Figaro.
The head of European diplomacy welcomed the newly appointed French Minister and expressed gratitude to the former head of the country's foreign diplomatic office.
"I warmly congratulate Stéphane Séjourné on his appointment as Minister of Foreign Affairs. I look forward to working together for a strong EU in the world. I extend heartfelt thanks to Catherine Colonna for our rich and valuable collaboration," stated the EU High Representative in his announcement.
What is known about the new minister
At 38 years old, Sejurne serves as the Secretary-General of President Emmanuel Macron's party, La République En Marche, and he was also a key advisor during the presidential campaign.
In the early stages of his political career, he was a member of the Socialist Party, where he supported Dominique Strauss-Kahn. In 2019, he managed the campaign for the European Parliament elections and subsequently became a Member of the European Parliament (leading the Renew Europe group in the European Parliament).
Updated composition of the government of France
Today, Alexis Coler, the Secretary-General of the Élysée Palace, announced the composition of the cabinet in Gabriel Attal's government. Attal was appointed Prime Minister on January 9 following the resignation of Élisabeth Borne. The majority of key government officials retained their ministerial portfolios.
- Minister of Armed Forces: Sébastien Lecornu
- Minister of Foreign Affairs: Stéphane Séjourné
- Minister of Economy, Finance, Industry, and Digital Sovereignty: Bruno Le Maire
- Minister of the Interior: Gérald Darmanin
- Minister of Labor, Health, and Solidarity: Catherine Vautrin
- Minister of National Education, Youth, Sports, and Olympic and Paralympic Games: Amélie Oudéa-Castéra
- Minister of Agriculture and Food Sovereignty: Marc Fesneau
- Minister of Culture: Rachida Dati
- Minister of Justice: Éric Dupond-Moretti
- Minister of Ecological Transition: Christophe Béchu
- Minister of Higher Education and Research: Sylvie Retailleau
- Minister Delegate for Democratic Renewal and Government Spokesperson: Priska Téveno
- Minister Delegate Responsible for Relations with Parliament: Marie Lebec
- Minister Delegate for Gender Equality and the Fight Against Discrimination: Aurora Bergé.
Change of the Prime Minister in France
On January 8, Élisabeth Borne submitted her resignation to French President Emmanuel Macron. Until the new government is appointed, the former Prime Minister and her team will handle day-to-day affairs.
The very next day, Macron appointed 34-year-old Education Minister Gabriel Attal as the new Prime Minister of the country.
He becomes the fourth head of the French government since 2017 during Macron's presidency.
