Socialist President Francois Mitterrand Monday named conservative Edouard Balladur as the new premier of France, a day after a landslide rightist victory in legislative elections.
Balladur, 63, of the conservative Rally for the Republic party, had been considered the most likely man to succeed Pierre Beregovoy, who resigned as premier earlier in the day.The conservatives have promised to sell off state-owned companies, cut taxes, streamline regulations, crack down on immigration and fight a U.S.-European farm accord.
Traditionally the premier is in charge of domestic affairs and the economy, while the president retains control over foreign affairs and defense.
Mitterrand, who has two years remainining in his term, has rejected calls to step down despite defeats in two rounds of national balloting for the National Assembly.
"In electing a very important new majority, you have marked your wish for another kind of politics," Mitterrand said in a brief televised address to the nation Monday night. "This wish will be scrupulously respected."