French government resigns following legislative elections

French Prime Minister Francois Fillon Monday, in accordance with the republican tradition, tendered the resignation of his government to President Nicolas Sarkozy one day after the end of legislative elections, the office of the president announced in a statement issued Monday.

"In accordance with the republican tradition, following the conclusion of the second round of legislative elections, today Prime Minister Fillon tendered the resignation of his government to the president who accepted it," according to the statement.

"Once again, the president of the Republic appointed Fillon to the position of prime minister with the immediate task of forming a new government," according to the same source.

During the second round of the legislative elections which was held Sunday, the ruling Union for a Popular Movement (UMP) won a total of 313 parliamentary seats, representing an absolute majority in the country's national assembly.

Environment and sustainable development minister Alain Juppe, who was defeated in his constituency during the second round of the elections, resigned from the government. Prime Minister Fillon had earlier issued a directive requiring all ministers who lost in the polls to resign.

The formation of a new government is expected to be announced Tuesday, according to the office of the president.

Source: Xinhua