PARIS (AP) — France was expected to name a new finance minister on Wednesday to replace Christine Lagarde, who is leaving to take up the top job at the International Monetary Fund next week.
Government ministers left a weekly Cabinet meeting without saying whether a successor for Lagarde has been chosen. She takes up her new post on Tuesday, following the resignation of Dominique Strauss-Kahn, who is facing sexual assault charges in New York.
It's unclear who would replace Lagarde. Possible candidates cited in media reports are Agriculture Minister Bruno Le Maire, Budget Minister Francois Baroin and Higher Education Minister Valerie Pecresse.
"That's up to the president and the prime minister," said Nadine Morano, junior minister for professional training, referring to President Nicolas Sarkozy and Prime Minister Francois Fillon.
"There was a lot of emotion, because Christine Lagarde is a remarkable woman who is unanimously appreciated within the cabinet," said Morano.
Morano said Lagarde's appointment "is a recognition for the economic policy (she) has led, which is appreciated abroad, as well as her talent."
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Sylvie Corbet contributed to this article.
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