Reshuffle: Edouard Philippe considers the composition of the new government “amazing”

“I watched what was happening with interest and a certain distance. » This weekend in La Tribune Dimanche, Edouard Philippe spoke about the appointment of Gabriel Attal to Matignon and the new government. The events he followed “without [s]“annoy,” he explains, “knowing that the important thing is not so much the composition of the government as what it should do.”

The former prime minister wants “the government to provide solutions” and insists: “I will support it to the extent that I can support it. I’m a collective player. Still, he admits he had little involvement in the personnel changes.

Received by the President on January 5 at the Elysee Palace as part of consultations, Édouard Philippe said he defended the retention of Elisabeth Bourne in Matignon, and then later handed over to the National Assembly a list of names compiled with the head of the Horizons group. . He also claims that Emmanuel Macron did not mention the name of Gabriel Attal to him as Prime Minister.

“Gabriel has talent”

What does he think about the new government? “Amazing,” responds the mayor of Le Havre, indicating that he does not understand the choice of Rachida Dati for culture and the expanded portfolio of Amelie Oudea-Caster, who has since been relieved of her position at the Ministry of Education.

Regarding the appointment of Gabriel Attal, “the president has returned to a certain form of courage,” says Edouard Philippe. I’m in less of a position to be offended by this. Against. I benefited from it,” before admitting, “Gabriel has talent. »

With the 2027 presidential elections for which he has begun to prepare, the mayor of Le Havre fears that the victory of the National Rally will become increasingly clear. That’s why “every day I figure out an equation in my head on how to beat this. And it’s not easy,” he admits. Edouard Philippe also assures that during his election campaign he will “take risks” because “without this you cannot win.”