French President inducts 3 new government members

Paris: French President Emmanuel Macron has inducted three new faces in his government — two of whom come from his inner circle — and will be replacing the three members who quit office to prepare their bids for the upcoming European and local elections, the French presidency said.

In a statement on Sunday, the Elysee announced that Sibeth Ndiaye, 39, previously Macron’s communications adviser, has been appointed the government spokeswoman and will replace Benjamin Griveaux who resigned last week to run for Paris Mayor next year.

A close ally to the 41-year-old head of state, Cedric O has joined the centrist executive staff to manage digital affairs, replacing Mounir Mahjoubi who is also aiming to compete for the Paris Mayor’s job, Xinhua news agency reported.

Cedric was treasurer of Macron’s presidential campaign before joining the President’s team at the Elysee Palace as digital economy advisor.

Amelie de Montchalin, Vice-President of the ruling The Republic On The Move party, was picked as new European Affairs Minister after her predecessor Nathalie Loiseau resigned to head the ruling party’s list for the European elections on May 24-26.

The government with new members was expected to hold its first Cabinet meeting later on Monday.

[source_without_link]IANS[/source_without_link]