Nicolas Sarkozy, who took over the presidency from Jacques Chirac on Wednesday, will name the rest of his government on Friday.
A red carpet was laid out across the courtyard at the prime minister's official residence, the Matignon, for Francois Fillon’s arrival at the ceremony, and the newly enrolled French PM is reported to have said: "I will listen to everyone because a France in motion needs everyone."
Afterwards outgoing prime minister, Dominique de Villepin wished his successor Francois Fillon good luck and said: "He has all the necessary qualities to succeed in the service of our country."
