The cabinet was named a day after Sarkozy named Francois Fillon as prime minister. PortfoliosAlain Juppe, a former prime minister, was named as number two at the head of a newly-formed environment, sustainable development, energy and transport "super-ministry".Bernard Kouchner, the former Socialist health minister and human rights activist, was named foreign minister, an appointment that showed Sarkozy's desire to reach out across the political divide. Michele Alliot-Marie was switched to the interior ministry from defence with the centrist Herve Morin assuming her old job. Jean-Louis Borloo, the outgoing employment minister, heads up a new economic strategy ministry, and Eric Woerth heads a new public accounts ministry that will draw up the state budget. Another high-profile appointment is Rachida Dati, Sarkozy's election campaign spokeswoman, at the justice ministry.
She becomes the first politician of North African origin to hold a top French government post. Brice Hortefeux, Sarkozy's closest political ally, will take charge of a new immigration and national identity ministry, while Xavier Bertrand will take charge of work, social relations and solidarity ministry. Other ministers include: Christine Lagarde, the minister of agriculture; Christine Boutin, the minister of social cohesion; Valerie Pecresse, the minister of higher education; Christine Albanel, the culture minister; Roselyne Bachelot, the health, youth and sports minister; and Xavier Darcos, the education minister.
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