Sunday, November 14, 2010

French Prime Minister Reappointed

PARIS — French President Nicolas Sarkozy reappointed François Fillon prime minister on Sunday morning, less than 12 hours after Mr. Fillon and his government resigned. A steady presence popular in the ruling party, Mr. Fillon will then formally name a new cabinet, expected later on Sunday although the choices will be Mr. Sarkozy’s.
There will be a number of shifts, with Foreign Minister Bernard Kouchner almost sure to leave that job, while former Prime Minister Alain Juppé, who served from 1995 to 1997 under President Jacques Chirac, is expected to join the government, probably as defense minister.
The current economic affairs minister, Christine Lagarde, is thought to be keeping her job, given her international credibility as France and Mr. Sarkozy take over the leadership of the Group of 20. Mr. Sarkozy wants to make progress in rebalancing currencies and lessening their large fluctuations while bringing more stability to the prices of basic commodities.
Ministers continue to exercise their functions until a new government is named.

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