France is creating three beefed-up ministries for finance, social affairs and the environment to respond to the coronavirus shockwaves convulsing the economy, as Emmanuel Macron attempts to recast his presidency.
In a cabinet reshuffle days after Macron’s party took a drubbing in local elections, Elisabeth Borne will take charge of an enhanced Labour and Social Affairs ministry just as the worst economic depression in decades unravels gains on unemployment.
Macron is also seeking to reset relations with unions and voters after waves of protests.
Borne, who successfully pushed through changes to French railways in the face of union opposition, will be in charge