President François Hollande of France has dissolved his cabinet and asked Manuel Valls, his prime minister, to form a new government to be announced on Tuesday.
Hollande’s decision is reportedly based on a disagreement with Arnaud Montebourg, his economic minister who recently criticised the economic direction of France and its relationship with Germany, a move that was seen as an act of insubordination.
A statement from the presidency said Valls had offered the resignation of his government – a formality that allows him to form a new cabinet – and the new lineup would be announced on Tuesday.
“The head of state asked him (Valls) to form a team consistent with the direction he has himself set for the country,” read the statement.
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“You have to raise your voice. Germany is trapped in an austerity policy that it imposed across Europe,” Montebourg said in an interview with Le Monde on Saturday.
“Given the seriousness of the economic situation, an economy minister has a duty to offer alternative solutions.”
France has been going through some economic hazards, which has resulted into crisis between left-leaning party members and supporters of the prime minister. The economy has been stagnant for about six months, forcing the government to reduce its growth forecast to 0.5% for this year.
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It is the second reshuffle in five months.
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