Sarkozy Picks Fillon as Prime Minister

[Ediacara]

Source: New York Times

By KATRIN BENNHOLD
Published: May 17, 2007

PARIS, May 17 — Nicolas Sarkozy named Francois Fillon as prime minister today, an appointment that France’s new president hopes will smooth the introduction of his ambitious reform program.

Mr. Fillon, 53, a four-time minister who masterminded Mr.Sarkozy’s election campaign, promised to implement the president’s campaign promises and signaled that he would consult with workers and employers.

“I will respect all of the commitments we made,” Mr. Fillon said. “I will listen to everybody because a France in motion needs everyone.”

He will head a streamlined cabinet of 15 ministers, which will be unveiled on Friday. The cabinet is expected to include at least seven women, a centrist politician, and Bernard Kouchner, a Socialist, as foreign minister. Mr. Fillon said he would govern “in a spirit of outreach.”

Read more: http://www.nytimes.com/2007/05/17/world/europe/17cnd-france.html?hp

[MrPrax]

1. Just to highlight one of his appointments...

to show a big difference between their 'right' and our 'right':

Sarkozy chooses Socialist as Foreign Minister

In a conciliatory gesture to left-wing voters, France's president-elect, Nicolas Sarkozy, has offered the high-profile post of Foreign Minister to the popular Socialist politician, Bernard Kouchner.

M. Kouchner, 67, one of the founders of Médécins sans Frontières, is likely to be named as part of the first government of the Sarkozy era at the end of this week.

The choice is somewhat surprising. As a former UN administrator in Kosovo, M. Kouchner is reasonably experienced in foreign affairs.

He was, however, one of the leaders of the May 1968 left-wing, student revolt, whose "moral legacy" was savaged by M. Sarkozy during the recent presidential campaign.

Independent -- UK

Our Right doesn't even TALK to people from outfits like Doctors Without Borders, let alone appoint them as Foreign Ministers. Hell even our Media doesn't like talking to those guys!!

[Ediacara]

2. But but but Bush kept Mineta at DOT

:evilgrin:

good point

[MrPrax]

3. "Brownie, you're doing a heckuva job" raising thoroughbred horses

I think someone might have pissed into the rePUKE 'talent' pool.