PARIS // France was thrown into fresh crisis on Monday after President Francois Hollande told his prime minister to form a new government, following a much-criticised show of insubordination by the country’s firebrand economy minister.
It is the second reshuffle in just five months as the ruling Socialists struggle to pull France out of the economic doldrums and the government is riven by infighting between left-leaning party members and those like Prime Minister Manuel Valls who veer more to the centre.
A presidency statement said Mr Valls had offered the resignation of his government – a formality that allows him to form a new cabinet – and the new line-up would be announced on Tuesday.
The presidency did not give any reasons, but the move came after economy minister Arnaud Montebourg bad-mouthed France’s economic direction and the austerity policies of European powerhouse Germany, angering Mr Valls.
On Sunday, Mr Montebourg said he had asked Mr Hollande and Mr Valls for a “major shift” in economic policy.
“Given the seriousness of the economic situation, an economy minister has a duty to offer alternative solutions.”
Mr Valls, who has consistently said he will not tolerate any form of insubordination among his ministers, has not yet reacted.
But his entourage said that Mr Montebourg had crossed a line, and while it is as unclear whether he will remain in the government, it appears increasingly unlikely.
* Agence France-Presse
