Fillon announced as France’s new Prime Minister

Following a breakfast meeting, Francois Fillon has been named as Prime Minister by President Nicolas Sarkozy. The 53 year old moderate conservative was widely expected to take the post – as one of President Sarkozy’s right-hand men. At Matignon, Fillon officially moved into the Prime Ministerial office, taking the keys from outgoing Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin.

At the ceremony Fillon said: “I will respect all the commitments we taken because that is the price of political renewal And I will listen to all because an evolving France needs everyone.”

Fillon became renowned for his negotiation skills while he was Labour Minister between 2002 and 2004. He pushed through a major overhaul of the country’s pension system – in a career that has also seen him as Education Minister. Fillon masterminded Sarkozy’s election win as his campaign director and the President may to need Fillon again – he’s likely to be instrumental in winning over trade unions as Sarkozy tries to push through employment reforms.

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