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Damien Abad, France’s recently appointed minister for solidarity is leaving his job in a post-election reshuffle, the Elysée announced Monday morning.
Abad faced rape, or attempted rape, allegations from multiple women in the last weeks, which he has denied. Authorities have opened investigations against Abad.
Abad, the former minister for solidarity and disabled people, will be replaced by Jean-Christophe Combe — head of the French Red Cross.
On Monday, French TV BFMTV reported that another woman testified against Abad.
During his handover speech, Abad said that it was preferable to leave his job “in the face of the vile slander orchestrated with an agenda.” He also said that he left the ministry with “great regret,” adding that his presumption of innocence was disregarded. Abad added he would now focus on pursuing his work in the French parliament, where he will still be an MP.
The new government will meet on Monday at 4 p.m. for its first cabinet meeting. Most ministers from Macron’s post-reelection government are keeping their jobs.
Clément Beaune, France’s minister on European affairs, will take the transport portfolio. He is replaced by OECD Chief Economist Laurence Boone.
French President Emmanuel Macron is expected to appoint his former health minister, Olivier Véran as government spokesperson, in charge “of democratic renewal.” Véran steered France through the COVID-19 pandemic during his tenure as health minister. Francois Braun will be named as France’s new health minister.
Olivia Grégoire, who briefly held the spokesperson position, will inherit the trade and SMEs portfolio.
Chrysoula Zacharopoulou — a former Renew Europe MEP, and gynecologist who also faced rape allegations from patients, is staying in the government as international development junior minister.
This article was updated.
Source: Politico
