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

Roadworthiness checks for motorbikes remain obligatory, rules French court

The ruling comes despite fierce opposition to the contrôle technique from many riding groups

Moving too close to marine animals in France can land you a €750 fine

It is acceptable to watch them but only from a distance of over 100m

Nearly 7,000 Britons have been granted French nationality since Brexit

The UK consistently ranks among the top five countries for people gaining French citizenship, with 6,863 people acquiring the nationality between 2021 - 2023