Mr Sapin, an ally of Michel Rocard, another of Mitterrand's prime ministers, becomes the civil-service minister.

ECONOMIST: France shuffles its pack

Now he has not just Messrs Fabius and Lang on board, but Michel Sapin and Catherine Tasca too.

ECONOMIST: France shuffles its pack

And his labour minister, Michel Sapin, has spelt out why it is required.

BBC: 'Bankrupt' France comments rebutted

Finance Minister Pierre Moscovici said later that Mr Sapin's comments were not "appropriate".

BBC: 'Bankrupt' France comments rebutted

France's politicians are defending the health of its economy after Labour Minister Michel Sapin described the state as "totally bankrupt".

BBC: 'Bankrupt' France comments rebutted

In a radio interview on Sunday, Mr Sapin replied to a question on the state by saying: "But it is a state totally in bankruptcy".

BBC: 'Bankrupt' France comments rebutted

Add to Mr Fabius, Mr Lang, Mr Sapin and Miss Tasca a quartet of lesser appointments, including one each for the Greens and the Communists, and Mr Jospin can fairly claim that his new team is both better balanced and punchier than its predecessor.

ECONOMIST: France shuffles its pack