Sarkozy set to name Francois Fillon as new prime minister
France's president-elect will shortly announce the moderate Francois Fillon as his new prime minister, according to recent reports.
Allegedly Nicolas Sarkozy spoke to Tony Blair on Sunday evening with Mr Fillon -who was introduced to the British prime minister with the remark: "Why don't you say a few words to the next prime minister of France?"
The Financial Times reports that Mr Fillon is seen as someone who may be able to converse with the country's unions with greater ease before Mr Sarkozy attempts to pass some potentially controversial reforms.
The new president, who won 53.3% of the vote, has promised to reform France's market system, as well as altering the nature of the country's famous welfare state.
One pollster, Frederic Dabi of Ifop, is quoted by the icWales news provider as saying: "The main attractions [of Mr Sarkozy] among workers were the security-immigration duo, which works, and the values of hard work - he put the emphasis on increasing purchasing power."
On Monday, Tony Blair sent his congratulations to Mr Sarkozy in the form of a video on YouTube. He described France as a "close neighbour and an important partner".
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