Prime minister expected to fall in Chirac reshuffle

President Jacques Chirac, jolted into action by the stinging referendum defeat of the European Union’s constitution by French voters, will announce a government shake-up today, with his beleaguered prime minister expected to be the main victim.

Chirac is to announce “his decisions regarding the government” and later address the nation. The lower house of parliament, the National Assembly, will not hold a scheduled session today, to await the result of talks towards forming a new government.