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A very important and decisive position, especially in the government of one of the leading EU and global powers, which moreover holds the presidency of the European Union at the moment.
Félicitations Monsieur Dévedjian!
Sarkozy appoints new minister for economic recovery
Send by e-mail Print President Nicolas Sarkozy on Friday appointed a new minister for economic recovery charged with overseeing a massive stimulus plan to help France fight the global slowdown.
Patrick Devedjian, a close Sarkozy ally and the current head of the governing right-wing UMP party, will implement the 26-billion-euro (33-billion-dollar) plan unveiled on Thursday.
Sarkozy said the new minister would ensure all funds unlocked under the plan, which includes massive state investment and aid for the car industry, are used for that purpose, and not simply folded into existing ministry budgets.
"This plan will be implemented in full and it will be implemented quickly," the president said.
Devedjian will be attached to the office of Prime Minister Francois Fillon, and not to the economy ministry.
He immediately announced his resignation as UMP chief. His successor will be appointed in late January with Sarkozy's long-time ally Brice Hortefeux, the current immigration minister, seen as a strong contender.
A deputy in the National Assembly, Devedjian took over from Sarkozy last year as head of the district council for the Hauts de Seine, west of Paris -- the president's political fief.
The 64-year-old has been junior minister twice before, for local affairs in 2002 and industry in 2005.
Félicitations Monsieur Dévedjian!
Sarkozy appoints new minister for economic recovery
Send by e-mail Print President Nicolas Sarkozy on Friday appointed a new minister for economic recovery charged with overseeing a massive stimulus plan to help France fight the global slowdown.
Patrick Devedjian, a close Sarkozy ally and the current head of the governing right-wing UMP party, will implement the 26-billion-euro (33-billion-dollar) plan unveiled on Thursday.
Sarkozy said the new minister would ensure all funds unlocked under the plan, which includes massive state investment and aid for the car industry, are used for that purpose, and not simply folded into existing ministry budgets.
"This plan will be implemented in full and it will be implemented quickly," the president said.
Devedjian will be attached to the office of Prime Minister Francois Fillon, and not to the economy ministry.
He immediately announced his resignation as UMP chief. His successor will be appointed in late January with Sarkozy's long-time ally Brice Hortefeux, the current immigration minister, seen as a strong contender.
A deputy in the National Assembly, Devedjian took over from Sarkozy last year as head of the district council for the Hauts de Seine, west of Paris -- the president's political fief.
The 64-year-old has been junior minister twice before, for local affairs in 2002 and industry in 2005.
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