Left lukewarm towards new French Cabinet

Press, 7 April 1978, Page 6

Left lukewarm towards new French Cabinet

I NZPA-Reuter Paris The new Cabinet which President Valery Giscard d’Estaing hopes will be able to end the rigid Left-Right ■ confrontation in French politics will meet today for the [first time. 1 The Government named .yesterday by the Prime Minister (Mr Raymond Barre) contained fewer new faces I than expected, and its formation drew a lukewarm reIception from Socialist and Communist newspapers. The Socialist “Matin” said the Cabinet list contained no surprises. The Communist “Humanite” commented: “The truth of the matter is

that there has been no change.” Two weeks ago, after the ruling Centre-Right coalition ■ retained power in a General 'Election. Mr Giscard d’Estaing said he wanted the Government to prepare for a “broader national union.” ; He called for a more re- ■ laxed working relationship {between Government and Opposition, and held an unprecedented series of meetings with Left-wing leaders ; before reappointing Mr i Barre as Prime Minister last | week. Among those retaining I their posts was the Health ■ Minister (Mrs Simone Veil), i the most popular member of I the outgoing Government.

She was also promoted to ■ number three in the Administration, behind Mr Barie and the Justice Minister (Mr Alain Peyrefitte). The Foreign Affairs Minis- ' ter (Mr Louis de Guirin- ’ gaud) the Interior Minister (Mr Christian Bonnet), and the Defence Minister (Mr Yvon Bourges) were all i reappointed. I Mr Barre, who has acted !as his own Finance Minister (since becoming Prime Minister in August, 1976, split the .job between two new port- ■ folios — economics and budgetary affairs. But he made it clear that he would continue to take a 'special interest in economic 'and financial policy.