President Francois Hollande is expected to name a new prime minister later Monday. Sources have suggested he will tap Interior Minister Manuel Valls for the position.
French Interior Minister Manuel Valls (L) talks with Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault. President Francois Hollande is set to name Valls as his prime minister later Monday.
France’s government resigned Monday and President Francois Hollande was expected to name a new prime minister, just 24 hours after his Socialists suffered heavy losses in nationwide municipal elections.
Disappointment with the Socialists’ handling of the economy drove many voters to conservative or anti-immigrant far-right candidates in the elections Sunday and Hollande hopes the reshuffle will boost the government’s popularity.
He was expected to announce the new prime minister Monday evening, after having met with outgoing Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault.
One of Hollande’s closest friends, Socialist Mayor of Dijon Francois Rebsamen, told RTL radio that popular Interior Minister Manuel Valls would be named prime minister. It could be several days before he announces his new Cabinet.
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