French PM Édouard Philippe submits government's resignationJuly 3, 2020 - 13:15 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - French Prime Minister Édouard Philippe has tendered his government’s resignation after seeing the country through the coronavirus pandemic, The Guardian reports. The Elysée Palace announced that Philippe had submitted the government’s resignation, but would remain as head of an interim government until the president, Emmanuel Macron, carried out a reshuffle and named his successor. In French government reshuffles, the prime minister tenders their resignation before new cabinet appointments, but can still be renamed to the position. Philippe, an increasingly popular figure, could be reappointed. The Elysée statement said: “Mr Edouard Philippe has today handed his resignation from the government to the President of the Républic who has accepted it. He will remain, with other members of the Government, to deal with current matters until the nomination of a new government.” During the Covid-19 crisis it fell to Philippe to deliver details, while Macron painted the bigger picture. During news conferences, Philippe appeared calm, reassuring and serious as he outlined lockdown rules and other unpopular regulations deemed necessary during the health emergency. His popularity has grown as Macron’s has slipped, with the latest polls suggesting Philippe had the confidence of up to half of French voters, with the president trailing at between 33% and 39%. Philippe, 49, was appointed in 2017 after Macron’s presidential election victory. At the time he was a member of the centre-right Les Républicains (LR) party. He left LR but never joined the governing centrist La République En Marche. Photo: Thomas Coex/AP Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. Armenia, Russia discuss life extension of Metsamor nuclear plant Issues regarding the extension of life of the 2nd power unit of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant were discussed in Yerevan. Armenians stage more campaigns against territorial concessions to Azerbaijan Protesters blocked more roads across Armenia on Friday, April 26 in continuing attempts to scuttle territorial concessions to Azerbaijan. |