It is the first time in modern French political history that a president has appointed a prime minister from outside his party.

Édouard Philippe delivered a speech at Le Havre, Northwestern France (Photo: VNA)

Last Sunday, Macron said he wants a slimmed-down government of 15 ministers, half of them female, including figures from civil society. He was originally going to announce his picks on Tuesday, but the announcement was delayed to permit further checks be done on the tax affairs of potential ministers and avoid conflicts of interest.