France Forms New Cabinet

A new government headed by Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault officially became known on Thursday evening. Four ministers were introduced, yet all the key positions remained unchanged.

Laurent Fabius was reappointed Minister of Foreign Affairs, while Jean-Yves Le Drian – Minister of Defense. Pierre Moscovici is to head the Ministry of Finance.

The Cabinet now honors a campaign pledge by Hollande for parity among men and women in the government. For the first time in modern-day France, the country now has a Cabinet where women hold half the posts.

Ayrault’s first cabinet was formed on May 16, after Francois Hollande won the presidential election. It was the first socialist government in France since 2002. According to the tradition of the republic, it resigned immediately after the elections held on Sunday to the lower house of parliament.