The Socialist government in France was dissolved on Monday, the result of a dispute between Cabinet members about the best way to deal with the country’s stagnant economy.
The Los Angeles Times reported that Prime Minister Manuel Valls offered up his Socialist government’s resignation to President Francois Hollande, and Mr. Hollande accepted. Mr. Valls was ordered to form a new government before Tuesday.
The resignation change came after Mr. Valls argued with Economy Minister Arnaud Montebourg over the austerity measures being pushed by the European Union to jump-start the nation’s growth, the Los Angeles Times reported.
Mr. Montebourg said “a major change in our economy police” was needed, and he finger-pointed directly at the president and prime minister, the newspaper said. The Socialist government leadership was incensed at the criticism and said Mr. Montebourg had overreached his role — which was to support the government, not topple it, the Los Angeles Times reported.
“He’s not there to start a debate but to put France back on the path of growth,” said Carlos Da Silva, the Socialist Party spokesman, to Le Figaro newspaper.
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.