Valls creates super-foreign ministry, names junior ministers

A day after winning a vote of confidence in his new cabinet the National Assembly, France’s new Prime Minister Manuel Valls completed his government, appointing 14 junior ministers and enlarging the role of the foreign affairs ministry.

French Foreign Affairs Minister Laurent Fabius (L) with Prime Minister Manuel Valls after the first meeting of the new cabinet Reuters/Charles Platiau

In the follow-up to his cabinet reshuffle, Valls named Fleur Pellerin, who was previously in charge of the digital economy, as the new junior secretary in charge of foreign trade and tourism.

She and Harlem Désir, the new junior secretary in charge of European affairs, along with Annick Giardin, in charge of development and the Francophone world, will report to Foreign Affairs Minister Laurent Fabius, who manage a new, enlarged ministry.

The last time foreign trade came under the foreign ministry was in 1958.

The move, which is not without controversy, is aimed at boosting the sluggish French economy – with French companies having trouble being competitive on the world stage.

The union of foreign trade agents says the move will undermine the new economy minister, Arnaud Montebourg.

But others say the economy ministry is too France-focused and increased global exposure coming from the foreign ministry will help French companies – especially given that a lot of trade deals are made with the help of diplomacy.

With the 14 new junior ministry Valls’s government is made up of 30 people, half of whom are women.

The government claims that will save money, as should a reduction of advisers and civil servants working for ministers.

Désir's new job is accompanied by a suggestion from President François Hollande that he stand down from his post as national secterary of the Socialist Party after its big losses in this month's local council elections.

Jean-Christophe Cambadélis, a close ally of the president, has been named as his probable successor.

After several party members complained that it would be undemocratic to replace Désir, who was elected in 2012 for a three-year mandate, said Thursday that he would like to see a vote by party members on who has the job.