Sarkozy names new, leaner French cabinet

French President Nicolas Sarkozy promised reform and delivered it Friday, radically revamping the government with the unveiling of his first cabinet — a leaner, 15-member team in which nearly as many women as men will handle top portfolios.

The broad cabinet extends over the political divide bringing together opposition voices, with the surprising appointments of left-wing founder of Doctors Without Borders Bernard Kouchner to sit as foreign minister and a centre-right rival, Herve Morin, as defence minister.

Seven women are filling posts in the cabinet, which also mixes youth with experience. Sarkozy appointed former defence minister Michele Alliot-Marie to be interior minister, and campaign adviser Rachita Dati will head the Justice Ministry.

The president's controversial and newly created Ministry of Immigration, Integration and National Identity — aimed at helping to soothe escalating racial tensions in France — will be directed by his longtime friend Brice Hortefleux.

One of the first tasks of the new government will be to campaign for legislative elections on June 10 and 17. If the ruling Union for a Popular Movement (UMP) loses the vote, Sarkozy will be forced to name a new government and work with the opposition.

However, opinion polls suggest the UMP will win the election and Sarkozy wants his ministers to prepare a raft of laws to present to the new parliament as soon as it sits this summer.