Under Christian Sautter, the new finance minister, overall economic policy is unlikely to change.

ECONOMIST: France��s subtle loss

So at least, with the next general election not due until the spring of 2002, Mr Sautter probably has time on his side.

ECONOMIST: Christian Sautter, France��s wary finance minister

If the new finance minister, Christian Sautter, lacks the kilos to keep the government's balance, Mr Jospin will surely be tempted to interfere himself.

ECONOMIST: A sad adieu to Dominique Strauss-Kahn