OREANDA-NEWS. Jean Castex replaces Édouard Philippe, who has resigned on Friday, July 3.

French President Emmanuel Macron has named Jean Castex, who coordinated the country's reopening after the coronavirus lockdown, as new prime minister, the Elysée Palace said in a statement on July 3.

"President Emmanuel Macron has named Jean Castex as prime minister and asked him to form a new government," the statement reads.

Castex, 55, earlier served as President of the National Sports Agency and oversaw preparations for the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. He replaces Édouard Philippe, who stepped down on Friday morning after serving for three years as French prime minister. Philippe is expected to take office as mayor of the city of Le Havre on July 4.

Earlier in the French media, there were reports of disagreements between Philippe and the president, including after the victory of ex-prime minister in the election of mayor of Le Havre on June 28. On Thursday, July 2, French President Emmanuel Macron confirmed his intention to reshuffle the government as the country recovers from the pandemic. According to the June Ifop poll, 43% of the French were in favor of continuing Philippe's work as head of government.