There had been speculation Energy Minister Jean-Louis Borloo could become PM

Francois Fillon's popularity ratings regularly exceed those of the president
Continue reading the main story
Related stories

French MPs adopt pension reform
Sarkozy success - but at what cost?
French President Nicolas Sarkozy has replaced his foreign and defence ministers as part of a significant cabinet reshuffle.

Michele Alliot-Marie replaces Bernard Kouchner as foreign minister, while Alain Juppe becomes defence minister in place of Herve Morin.

Earlier on Sunday, Mr Sarkozy reappointed Francois Fillon as prime minister.

Most of the other big figures from the outgoing government remain in place.

Christine Lagarde will remain as economy minister, while Brice Hortefeux is staying on as interior minister.

Mr Juppe is a former prime minister, while Ms Alliot-Marie was justice minister.

Mounting tension
With his popularity at rock bottom, President Nicolas Sarkozy could have seen the reshuffle as a moment for a change of direction, says the BBC's Hugh Schofield. Instead, the president has calculated that it is in sticking to the course that lie his best hopes for re-election in 2012.

Continue reading the main story
Analysis

Christian Fraser
BBC News, Paris
Three weeks ago, they were bidding farewell to Francois Fillon. There was speculation he would be replaced by his energy minister, Jean-Louis Borloo. But this prime minister is more popular than the president - and particularly popular within the ruling party. Some say Mr Fillon's reappointment further undermines the president's power and credibility.

On top of that, the man he has tried to keep on-side - Mr Borloo, a centrist politician who has better relations with the unions - has now walked away, turning down a key post offered in compensation.

The main casualty was the foreign minster Bernard Kouchner, who has been a vocal critic of the president's treatment of the Roma. He is replaced by the former justice minister, Michele Alliot-Marie.

All in all, it looks like a no-risk reshuffle. In fact, after eight months of speculation - and the thinly-veiled attempt to get rid of the prime minister - the way it has been handled might do the president more harm than good.

The moves come a day after the entire government handed in its resignation.

There has been mounting political tension in France in recent months.

Last month, parliament passed controversial reforms to the country's pension system which sparked widespread protests.

The incoming government will be in charge of implementing policy in the run-up to the next presidential elections in 2012.

The outgoing foreign minister, Mr Kouchner, a socialist, had recently expressed unease at some government policies.

There had been speculation Energy Minister Jean-Louis Borloo could become PM, but he has no position in the new government.

In a statement, Mr Fillon spelled out his priorities as head of the new government.

"After three and a half years of brave reforms, carried out despite a severe global economic and financial crisis, I am starting... a new phase with determination which will allow our country to strengthen the growth of the economy to help jobs, promote solidarity and safeguard the security of all French people," he said.

good service
hensley hitch

Although you might suspect that gift cards are most popular with younger, savvier shoppers, they are actually quite common with shoppers in every age group. A recent spending index survey of over 1200 online shoppers indicates that 65% of men and 74% of women of all ages plan on giving retail vouchers this holiday season. The breakdown by age revealed that people between the ages of 35 and 44 were most likely to purchase them, with three quarters choosing this item for the holidays. Even among the group least likely to purchase these vouchers as presents, 63% plan on giving at least one during winter holidays.
How Income Impacts Gift Card Purchases
Income had some impact on the decision to buy gift cards online, with a staggering 78% of shoppers in the median income range of $50,000 to $75,000 purchasing them. Families with higher incomes came in a close second with 73% purchasing them. Although those at lower income levels purchased less, it was still a majority. For instance, those households making less than $25,000 a year still invested in retail shopping vouchers 63% of the time for the holidays.
Educated, Married, And Professional People Favor Them
The spending index survey had an impressive three-way tie for which region of the United States was most likely to give gift cards, with 70% of survey participants in the Midwest, South, and West intending to buy the vouchers for at least one person in 2010. Among these shoppers, the highest majority of spenders were married, college educated professionals. The survey's results indicate that professional individuals with families were most likely to use vouchers for specific stores as presents this holiday season.
Why Are People Buying Gift Cards For The Holidays?
anti virus protection