Sarkozy reappoints prime minister

The political suspense in France is over, at least in part. After months of speculation, Francois Fillon has been reappointed prime minister by President Nicolas Sarkozy. Sarkozy reappoints prime minister It is the first step in a long-awaited cabinet reshuffle, expected to be finalized later today. On Saturday night, Fillon and his government resigned as a prelude to the shake-up. There had been rumors the conservative president would replace Fillon, who has served as his prime minister since Sarkozy won office in 2007. Environment and energy minister Jean-Louis Borloo had been tipped to step into his shoes. But it is Fillon who will now head a new administration. The reshuffle comes amid disastrous approval ratings for Sarkozy. They are largely down to his highly unpopular pension reform that has prompted mass protests and strikes.

Sarkozy reappoints prime minister

It is the first step in a long-awaited cabinet reshuffle, expected to be finalized later today.

On Saturday night, Fillon and his government resigned as a prelude to the shake-up.

There had been rumors the conservative president would replace Fillon, who has served as his prime minister since Sarkozy won office in 2007.

Environment and energy minister Jean-Louis Borloo had been tipped to step into his shoes. But it is Fillon who will now head a new administration.

The reshuffle comes amid disastrous approval ratings for Sarkozy. They are largely down to his highly unpopular pension reform that has prompted mass protests and strikes.