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“I want to dedicate my candidacy for the position to all little girls” – Elizabeth Bourne.
France’s new prime minister, Elisabeth Borne, the first woman to hold the position in more than 30 years, says she hopes to inspire young girls.
“I want to dedicate my candidacy to all the young girls and tell them to do whatever you can to make your dreams come true,” she said in her inaugural speech.
Bourne, a 61-year-old engineer, was described as a “left-wing technocrat” and most recently served as Labor Minister in President Emmanuel Macron’s first term.
France will hold parliamentary elections between 12-19 June, but doubts surround their outcome, which raises questions regarding the length of Born’s term.
A powerful left-green coalition led by Jean-Luc Melenchon will challenge the president’s centrist party next month.
Some observers speculate that the veteran leftist may become prime minister, following the elections.
Bourne has detailed expertise in core social policy and environmental issues. She previously served as transport minister and environment minister under Macron, who was re-elected last month.
Her experience is seen as an asset to Macron, who is aiming to bring regarding controversial social policy reforms.
The far-right National Rally of Marine Le Pen poses a major threat to Macron’s leadership and his party, despite his convincing victory over it in the second round in April.
Born is the second female prime minister of France, following Edith Cresson in 1991-1992.
She has held senior positions in France’s largest transport companies, advising leaders of the left on social issues in the past. The BBC’s Lucy Williamson in Paris said Bourne also had a reputation for working long hours at a strong pace.
On Monday, outgoing Prime Minister Jan Castex described Bourne as “prime minister” – using the feminine form – to underscore the historical significance of her appointment.
Critics say France’s ruling elite has lagged behind other European countries in appointing women to top positions.
Eric Zemmour, Le Pen’s far-right rival, vehemently rejected the use of the “prime minister” formula to describe Bourne, saying “French should remain – to me – above all pleasing to the ear”.
Cresson – France’s first female prime minister – said French politics remained “masculine”.
“It’s time for another woman,” she added, praising Bourne as a “distinguished figure, with great experience in the public and private sectors.”
Born is not elected, but will run as a candidate for Macron’s “Republic Goes Ahead” party next month in Calvados, in northern France.
It is expected that one of the most difficult challenges in the negotiations will be to raise the retirement age to 65, from the current age of 62. Melenchon, on the other hand, seeks to reduce it to 60.
“Bourne is once morest raising the minimum wage and retiring at 65,” Melenchon commented. “And here we are beginning a new season of social abuse.”
