France's outgoing minister vows to 'transform' France

Outgoing French Economy Minister Emmanuel Macron attends a news conference after his resignation, at Bercy Finance Ministry in Paris, France, August 30, 2016. [Photo/Agencies]

PARIS -- French outgoing Economy Minister Emmanuel Macron said on Tuesday that he would make proposals to "transform" France after announcing resignation from the government.

"I'm determined to do everything so our values, ideas and actions can transform France from the next year", Macron said in a speech to ministry staff.

He said the he had resigned to "start a new stage" of his political fight and draw up a "diagnosis" of the country's problems.

The 38-year-old former banker handed his resignation to President Francois Hollande "to devote himself to political movement," the presidency office announced on Tuesday.

In a communique, the Elysee added Finance Minister Michel Sapin, a close ally of Hollande, will handle the economic portfolio, which means that the government will maintain the same non-business policy to meet pledges of robust economy and cut jobless.

Macron's resignation is widely seen as the first step for the former investment banker to pave the way for a closer launch of the presidential election bid.

He disclosed his political ambition after creating his own political movement "En Marche" (On the Move) in April, vowing to lead the movement "to 2017 and to victory".

He joined the Socialist cabinet in August 2014 to replace ousted Arnaud Montebourg.

Macron, former Hollande's economic advisor, was one of main figures that forged the "Law on Growth and Activity" and "responsibility pact", flagship pieces of the government's roadmap to revive sluggish growth and lower unemployment in one of Europe's main powerhouses.