China News Agency, Paris, July 3 (Reporter Li Yang) Edward Philippe officially resigned as French Prime Minister on the 3rd local time, and bid farewell to the palace of Martinique. Jean Castex took over as Prime Minister of Philippe.

  The Prime Minister’s power transfer ceremony between Philip and Caste started at 5:30 pm on the 3rd and lasted about an hour. When Castel arrived at the Chancellery, Philip greeted him at the door. Due to the need for the prevention and control of the new coronary pneumonia epidemic, the two did not shake hands when they met, just clenched their fists symbolically.

  Philip subsequently gave a farewell speech at the Prime Minister's Palace, thanking those who worked with him for more than three years as prime minister, especially the government ministers. Philip said that the transfer of power is rapid, "may not allow me to express my respect, recognition and gratitude to each of you."

  The French Presidential Palace issued a communiqué on the 3rd that Philipp submitted a government resignation to President Macron that day, and Macron approved the resignation, which means that Philipp also resigned as prime minister. Macron appointed Casthe as prime minister to succeed Philip a few hours after Philip submitted his resignation.

  Philip is 49 years old. Macron appointed Philip as prime minister immediately after he became French president in May 2017. According to calculations by French media, Philip served as prime minister for a total of 1145 days, which is longer than the number of days that Raffarin served as prime minister (1121 days).

  Philip told his successor Caste that waiting for him in the Prime Minister's Palace would be a heavy task. He said that the country needs an open mind and firm action. Philip believes that Castel has the appropriate quality. Philip pointed out that France has not yet emerged from the health crisis caused by the epidemic, but has taken measures to fully respond. He wished Castel success in the following work.

  Recent poll results show that Philip’s support for public opinion has improved significantly during the epidemic. Although his successor, Castel, acted as the coordinator of the "unblocking" plan, he was generally not well-known. Castel praised Philip's work as prime minister for more than three years, saying that his first task after taking office was to deal with the epidemic and the economic crisis caused by the epidemic.

  After Philip resigns as prime minister, it is likely to become mayor of Le Havre. The outside world is still unclear about Philip’s future political ambitions. (Finish)