France has reshuffled its government to silence dissidents that had openly criticised Socialist President Francois Hollande’s economic policy as he tries to pull the nation out of stagnation and steer it toward growth.
Emmanuel Macron, who had served as top adviser in charge of economy, took over the Economy ministry, replacing Arnaud Montebourg who had railed against government policy as being too austere and even unjust to the French.
Finance Minister Michel Sapin stayed in place in the limited reshuffle announced today.
Other major ministers, including foreign affairs and defence ministers, also kept their jobs.