EXCLUSIVE
The French will get to know a new Prime Minister. Almost unknown to the general public, Jean Castex was appointed to Matignon on Friday, replacing Edouard Philippe. The day after this announcement, the father of the new Prime Minister gave an exclusive interview to Europe 1. "He is someone who has never backed down when it came to taking care of his town, his department and now from the State, "assured Claude Castex, Saturday morning at the microphone of Bernard Poirette.
>> READ - Who is Jean Castex, this new "unknown" named Prime Minister by Emmanuel Macron?
"I did not expect such a prestigious position"
Even for Claude Castex, the appointment of his son to Matignon was "a surprise". "After what he had done as 'Mister deconfinement' (he had been in charge of deconfinement in the government since April, note ), I expected him to have a post of minister during But in no case was I expecting such a prestigious position, "said the former head of the food business, who heard the news on Thursday evening from his son.
"I knew it since Thursday evening, he called me to warn me. He was coming out of the interview with the president and the Prime Minister. He did not speak to me for long, he simply told me that it was a difficult position in a difficult and delicate situation, given the state of France, "reported Claude Castex.
>> READ - Why did Emmanuel Macron choose Jean Castex for Matignon?
"It is a pride to have a Prime Minister son"
The Prime Minister's father also confided in his "pride". "It was a shock and a lot of emotions. And then I immediately thought about what to expect, so a little stress. But it's good stress, I can only be happy for For a father, it is a pride to have a Prime Minister son, "he added.
Claude Castex also made a point of recalling the appetite of his son for social files, in view of the next deadlines of his future government. "He was already director of cabinet to Xavier Bertrand at the Ministry of Labor, he has very good contacts with the unions. An important part will play on pension reform, because it was put on hold during the epidemic, but it will have to be resumed, "said Claude Castex.