Sarkozy’s Cabinet

When Sarkozy won the French Presidential election I recall Radio New Zealand declaring that French voters had turned down the chance to have their first woman President, and with a tone of disbelief announced they had opted for the divisive and dangerous Sarkozy.

He seems to be off to a pretty good start though. First he chopped the Ministry in half to just 15 Ministers. And half the Cabinet are women. As Foreign Minister he has appointed the very popular and respected Bernard Kouchner who founded Medecins Sans Frontieres. The Socialist Party has expelled Kouchner for accepting the role.

Also appointed is the first ethnic minority figure in a senior cabinet post, with Rachida Dati named as justice minister. Also the former Chief of Staff to centrist Francois Bayrou was made Education Minister. The Defence Minister also comes from Bayrou’s team making 20% of the Cabinet being from other parties. Not quite the divisive figure his foes tried to make him seem.