French leaders resign following election losses

France’s government has resigned ahead of a reshuffle that comes 24 hours after President Francois Hollande’s Socialists suffered losses in nationwide municipal elections seen as a referendum on his leadership.

Disappointment with the Socialists’ handling of the economy drove many voters to conservative or anti-immigrant far-right candidates in the elections on Sunday.

Mr Hollande is expected to announce a new prime minister later, after having met outgoing prime minister Jean-Marc Ayrault.

Mr Hollande hopes the reshuffle will boost the government’s popularity.