New PM will be picked next week

THE identity of the new French prime minister will be known by Tuesday when Hollande names him or her on the day of his investiture as president.

Three names are touted as likely to get the job – Parti Socialiste First Secretary Martine Aubry, the president of the Socialist group in the National Assembly Jean-Marc Ayrault, and Hollande’s special adviser Manuel Valls.

Aubry is the favourite in polls.

Ayrault, 62, was already touted as a possible prime minister during Ségolène Royal’s campaign in 2007, and was one of the first to support Hollande as the Socialist presidential candidate. His pluses for the job include fluency in German – he is an ex-language teacher – which could be useful as relations with Angela Merkel will be a crucial factor for the Hollande regime.

He has, however, never been a minister, whereas Aubry, 61, held an important ministerial post – work minister – during two periods in the 1990s. She would leave her job as head of the PS if appointed, she has said. Sources close to her have reportedly said she would refuse any other ministerial job – “it’s Matignon or nothing”.

Valls, 49, has been Hollande’s spokesman during the elections, but is seen as more right-wing than the president-elect – for example he was in favour of Sarkozy’s plan for increased VAT. It is thought that if he does not get the prime minister’s job he might be made interior minister.
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