Times Online: M de Villepin: Shaken Chirac appoints replacement

Times OnlineShaken Chirac appoints replacement

M de Villepin, the 51-year-old former Interior Minister will head a new government appointed by his close friend President Jacques Chirac. His mission is to restore public support for the government, among an electorate whose 55 per cent 'non' vote on Sunday has dealt a potentially fatal blow to the EU constitutional treaty.

M de Villepin is best known for his eloquent defence of France's opposition to the US-led invasion of Iraq. A career diplomat and former foreign minister, his selection may well prove controversial as he has never held an elected office.

President Chirac will address the nation tonight, when he is expected to present in full the make-up of the new government. Nicolas Sarkozy, currently Chirac’s rival as right-wing president of the ruling UMP party, becomes the new Interior Minister.

Meanwhile, voters in the Netherlands are preparing to deliver the coup de grace to the EU Constitution, with opinion polls running at a 60 per cent 'nee' vote on the eve of its referendum despite an 11th hour plea from leaders.