Ségolène Royal new ecology minister

The new French prime minister, Manuel Valls, has caused surprise and shock with his choice of ministers to form the country’s “combat government”.

Among the new appointments were Ségolène Royal, the 2007 presidential candidate and one-time partner of president François Hollande, with whom she has four children. She was given the ecology, energy and sustainable development portfolio.

Perhaps the most surprising announcement was the naming of the left-wing Arnaud Montebourg, from the opposite side of the Socialist party to Valls, as economics minister.

Mr Montebourg, who stood as a rival to Mr Valls for the Socialist presidential nomination in 2011 – both lost to Hollande – was nicknamed Monsieur Made in France after urging economic patriotism. His anti-globalisation views have been well aired, and he leans towards protectionism.

Women in power
Another surprise appointment was the inexperienced Benoit Hamon, to

education.

Mr Hamon, who is also on the left wing of the party, has been in government for less than two years, in the relatively junior post of consumer and social economy minister.

Minister for defence Jean-Yves Le Drian, minister for foreign affairs Laurent Fabius, minister for justice Christine Taubira, minister for finance Michel Sapin, minister for agriculture Stephane le Foll and minister for culture Aurelie Filippetti, all keep their jobs.

Najat Vallaud-Belkacem lost her portfolio as government spokeswoman, but remains minister for women’s rights. Of the 15 top cabinet posts, seven are now held by women. Mr Valls will hold his first ministerial council today. The lower secretary of state jobs are expected to be decided next week but Mr Hollande has called for a smaller, administration.

Ms Royal's return to frontline politics was made possible by the ending of Hollande's relationship with Valerie Trierweiler in January, for whom he left Ms Royal, after it was revealed he was having an affair with a French actor. – ( Guardian service)