New French President Emmanuel Macron appoints Elysee secretary-general, diplomatic adviser

French president Emmanuel Macron has appointed Alexis Kohler (left) as secretary general of the Elysee palace and Philippe Etienne (right) as his diplomatic advisor. PHOTOS: AFP

PARIS (Reuters) - French President-elect Emmanuel Macron appointed Alexis Kohler on Sunday (May 14) as secretary general of the Elysee palace, the top administrative role among the presidential staff.

Kohler, a 44-year old graduate of France's elite ENA administrative school, was Macron's chief of staff when the incoming president was economy minister and has worked for the Treasury.

Philippe Etienne, a 61-year old former ambassador to Berlin and also an ENA graduate, was appointed to be the incoming president's diplomatic advisor, Macron's staff said.

The appointments were announced as Macron readied for his inauguration as president on Sunday at a ceremony in the Elysee palace.

Macron will name a prime minister on Monday and the new government will be announced on Tuesday, a source said.

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