Macron names Jean Castex as prime minister in government overhaul

French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday named Jean Castex, a top civil servant and a local mayor who orchestrated France's exit from its coronavirus lockdown, as prime minister in a high-stakes cabinet reshuffle.

Castex will be tasked to be forming the next government, the Elysee Palace said in a short statement. He replaces Edouard Philippe, who resigned earlier on Friday.