France’s new cabinet is meeting for the first time after a reshuffle by Nicolas Sarkozy.

With eight departures and arrivals, observers say the President went much further than expected. Close ally of Sarkozy, Brice Hortefeux, is the new Interior Minister. He replaces Michele-Alliot Marie, who is going on to become the Justice Minister. She takes the place of Rachida Dati, who won a European Parliament seat. The prime minister and economy and foreign ministers remain in place. The most high-profile recruit was Frederic Mitterrand, the nephew of former Socialist President Francois Mitterrand.More about: France, Nicolas Sarkozy

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