Several new ministerial appointments in the French government have strong links with areas that border Switzerland.
Firstly, the new Prime Minister, Michel Barnier, comes from Albertville in Savoy. But others are even closer. The new Economy Minister, Antoine Armand, is a deputy for the area that covers Annecy and has family links with Cruseilles.
The new Energy Minister, Olga Givernet, is an MP for the Pays de Gex, a former councillor for Saint Genis and her husband is an aircraft engineer at Geneva Airport.
The minister in charge of tourism – a massive element of the French economy. Marina Ferrari, represents Aix-les-Bains.
It remains to be seen if the personal links with the area leads to more focus on the unique needs of the French border region.
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