Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: TUESDAY, March 30, 1993 TAG: 9303300015
SECTION: NATIONAL/INTERNATIONAL PAGE: A-3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: Associated Press
DATELINE: PARIS LENGTH: Short
His choice of former Finance Minister Edouard Balladur to replace Pierre Beregovoy, who resigned earlier Monday, formally began the change of power to what will be France's most conservative government in years.
Mitterrand made the announcement in a nationally televised speech a day after his party's lopsided defeat in the second round of national elections.
"In electing a very important new majority, you have marked your wish for another kind of politics," he said. "This wish will be scrupulously respected."
He urged Balladur to form a government as soon as possible. It was likely it would be in place by Wednesday.
Balladur, 63, was Mitterrand's expected choice after his conservative Rally for the Republic party, anchoring a mighty conservative alliance, won the most seats in the National Assembly. He is a low-key politician who seeks consensus over conflict, a negotiating skill he likely will need in clashes with Mitterrand during the remaining two years of Mitterrand's presidential term.
The conservatives promise to sell state-owned industries, using the proceeds to cut the national debt and lower taxes.
The 76-year-old Mitterrand has rejected calls for his departure, vowing to complete his second seven-year term, which ends in 1995.
by CNB