Sarkozy shakes up cabinet after poll defeat

President Nicolas Sarkozy dismissed his labour minister and reshuffled several other Cabinet posts today after a heavy defeat for his conservatives in France’s regional elections – a loss which exposed his inability to convince the public on his economic reforms.

Labour minister Xavier Darcos lost his job after being soundly defeated in his election bid in the western Aquitaine region. Twenty of President Sarkozy’s Cabinet members ran for regional posts and all lost. Budget minister Eric Woerth stepped in for Mr Darcos, the presidency said.