LOC21:05
18:05 GMT
PARIS, Nov 14 (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. (pickup previous)
tm.bs
KUNA 142105 Nov 10NNNN