France announces formation of new government

French President Nicolas Sarkozy Tuesday announced a cabinet reshuffle of Francois Fillon led government, with Jean-Louis Borloo becoming the new minister for energy, ecology and sustainable development in replacement of Alain Juppe, who resigned after losing in legislative elections.

Christine Lagarde, former minister of agriculture and fishing, was appointed economy, finance and employment minister in replacement Borloo. Michel Barnier was chosen to replace Lagarde at the agriculture and fishing ministry.

Michele Alliot-Marie will remain interior and overseas territories minister while Bernard Kouchner will stay on as foreign and European affairs minister. Likewise, Herve Morin will remain in charge of the defense ministry, with Brice Hortefeux remaining as minister for immigration, integration and national identity.

In accordance with the republican tradition, Prime Minister Fillon resigned Monday, a day after the conclusion of the second round of legislative elections. Following the resignation, French President Nicolas Sarkozy moved swiftly to reappoint him prime minister with the specific task of forming a new government.

During the second round of the legislative elections, France's ruling Union for a Popular Movement and its allies won a comfortable majority in the 577-seat National Assembly, with 345 seats. However, that was fewer than the 359 seats the party had in the outgoing parliament.

Source: Xinhua