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