Spring cleaning in French politics

Boththe results of the French local elections, and the planned ministerial cabinet reshuffle, promise a busy April for French politics.The UMP will announce their candidates for the European elections, and the campaign will likely begin next week. EurActiv France reports.

The second round of the localelections will be difficult for France's main political parties in the wake of the far rights first round triumph.

The project to reshuffle the French cabinet, which has been feet dragging since summer 2013, should be finalised by this evening.

The success of the National Front has forced the government to create a new cabinet lineup. Many agree that the Minister of the Interior, Manuel Valls, known for his strong stance against immigration and Romani people, will lead the government.

With regard to European matters, the reshuffle will be significant in the weeks leading up to the European elections.

The French Ministry for Foreign Affairs, and the Ministry of Finance, will suffer the most from personnel cutbacks. Seven ministers and deputy ministers oversee the states finances, but given that the next government wants to reduce ministerial numbers, this number is likely to fall.

The five foreign affairs ministers may also be reduced. Thierry Repentins position is secure, as he is the current minister of European affairs and Franois Hollandes right hand man, but there are others. Even if the position of European affairs is not cut, positions like Franais de ltranger (French abroad), aide au dveloppement (development aid) and francophonie (French-speaking) are deemed less important, and the line-up will no doubt change.

Laurent Fabius, the current Minister for Foreign Affairs, hopes to return to his role as Minister for Trade, which is currently held by Nicole Bricq, a deputy minister who will probably not make the cut.

French Ministry of Foreign Affairs: transatlantic partnership and climate negotiations

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs deals with trade negotiations, including the TTIP negotiations with the US. The controversial agreement will be an important endeavor for the next government.

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Spring cleaning in French politics