Nicolas Hulot, Emmanuel Macron’s star environment minister, quits while live on air
‘We’re taking little steps, and France is doing a lot more than other countries, but are little steps enough?’
Paris — President Emmanuel Macron suffered a major political blow on Tuesday as his popular environment minister resigned live on radio — without informing the French leader beforehand. Nicolas Hulot, one of the most respected members of the cabinet among the French public, took even his interviewers by surprise on the France Inter radio station when announcing his move. "I am taking the decision to leave the government," Hulot said, adding that he felt "all alone" on environmental issues within the government. The 62-year-old TV celebrity, who made his name as an environmental campaigner, was lured into government last year by Macron, but has repeatedly clashed with his cabinet colleagues over policy. "We’re taking little steps, and France is doing a lot more than other countries, but are little steps enough?" he asked. "The answer is no." Hulot, whose future in the government has been a subject of speculation for months, said he had not informed Macron or Prime Minister Edouard Ph...
Would you like to comment on this article?
Sign up (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Subscribe now to unlock this article.
Support BusinessLIVE’s award-winning journalism for R129 per month (digital access only).
There’s never been a more important time to support independent journalism in SA. Our subscription packages now offer an ad-free experience for readers.
Cancel anytime.
Questions? Email helpdesk@businesslive.co.za or call 0860 52 52 00. Got a subscription voucher? Redeem it now.