French President names new Cabinet
Ap, Paris
President Nicolas Sarkozy named his first Cabinet on Friday, radically revamping the government, with nearly as many women as men and humanitarian crusader Bernard Kouchner as France's new foreign minister. Other appointments included former Prime Minister Alain Juppe, in charge of the environment an area Sarkozy says is a priority and Jean-Louis Borloo as minister for the economy. The Cabinet, trimmed to 15 ministers, offered both youth and experience, and near-equal distribution among the sexes. Former Defence Minister Michele Alliot-Marie was named as interior minister, and Sarkozy campaign adviser Rachita Dati will head the Justice Ministry. Sarkozy had promised a new ministry for immigration and national identity, a top focus on environmental issues and near-gender equality all while paring the Cabinet down from 16 full ministers and 15 junior ministers under his predecessor, Jacques Chirac.
|
|
