Ex-French PM to be named Paris transport boss

As head of the RATP, Jean Castex will manage the metro, buses and trams in the Greater Paris area

Changing roles for Jean Castex: from PM to head of Paris’ RATP transport operator

Victor Joly / Shutterstock

Published Tuesday 08 November 2022 - 17:00 Modified Tuesday 08 November 2022 - 17:00

Former Prime Minister Jean Castex is set to be appointed head of the RATP transport operator.

Mr Castex, 57, served under Emmanuel Macron for two years, but will partly be remembered for searching for his glasses before a televised speech, and eventually finding them on his head.

He earned the nickname Mr Déconfinement, for leading the strategy to bring France out of lockdown.

As he was replaced by Elisabeth Borne in May, he told reporters he planned to return to the Pyrenees, saying: “I need to repaint my shutters”.

The RATP manages most public transport in the Greater Paris area, including the metro, buses and trams.

Former PM and Line Renaud among those awarded French Legion of Honour

Lost glasses, Mr Lockdown: Memorable moments of French PM Jean Castex

‘Biggest wildfire in France since 1949:’ Massive Aude blaze rages into third day

More than 16,000 hectares of forest has burned. Three people are missing and one person has died

Chart: where have the biggest forest fires been in France since 2000

Mediterranean departments, Corsica, and south-west see majority of largest fires

Map: See the full extent of France’s massive Aude wildfire

Blaze is continuing to burn for third successive day

Driving to Italy from France this summer? Check how to avoid ‘automatic’ fines in cities

Many cities have ‘limited driving zones’ in place

French property market showing sign of recovery: five key points from latest notaire data

Global uncertainties may impact speed and level of recovery

Vent d’autan: the French weather phenomenon said to drive people mad

Superstition says that the wind, which affects the south-west of the country, turns the locals 'crazy'

Breton name bowls: 'People are no longer interested in the traditional craft'

These bowls have become a staple of French cabinets and breakfast tables, but how are they really made?

Letters: Reader experiences of organising a funeral in France

Connexion readers share their advice to ensure the process goes smoothly

Liberal Democrat MPs sign motion over 'damaging' 90/180 limit in France

An early day motion has been put forward, stating that the longstanding rule is harmful

Recipe: simple and delicious yoghurt cake

In her pâtisserie cookbook, Gâteau - The Surprising Simplicity of French Cakes, award–winning American food writer, Aleksandra Crapanzano, explores how Parisians shop and bake