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| Europe |
| New French gov't expected tonight or Mon. |
| 2010-11-15 |
| (KUNA) -- The new French government will be announced either Sunday night or tomorrow, media reports said, suggesting the cabinet would not include Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner. Prime Minister Francois Fillon, reassigned by President Nicolas Sarkozy to form a government, is a leading member in the ruling right coalition, with public opinion showing his rising popularity among the right. The media reports anticipated Fillon's cabinet to consist of 26 ministers instead of the current 37, noting Kouchner would be leaving the cabinet while former Prime Minister Alain Juppe would be joining the government. Minister of Economy Christine Lagarde is set to keep her portforlio as France is chairing the G-20 and is set to take over presidency of G-8 next January. The new government will also work on improving image of Sarkozy, whose public opinion ratings plunged after defeat of center-right parties in last May's regional and local elections, coupled with the new law to raise retirement age. Fillon tendered his resignation to Sarkozy last night, after three-and-a-half years in office. |
| Posted by:Fred |