Paris, Mar 30: French Prime Minister Jean-Pierre Raffarin has resigned after Sunday's regional election rout - but has been immediately reappointed to the post. However, the entire French government has also formally resigned, and some other key figures may be replaced.

President Jacques Chirac's centre-right UMP party was virtually wiped off the regional political map, sparking wide predictions of Mr Raffarin's sacking.

But on Tuesday the presidential palace announced he was staying in his post.

Mr Raffarin, who has been implementing Mr Chirac's unpopular social reform programme, could still leave office later in the year, correspondents predict.
Pensions and employment laws are among the areas being tackled, but the public has not been won over.

Voters across France switched to the socialists in Sunday's second-round vote, in what was widely interpreted as a protest vote against the reforms, high unemployment and a stagnant economy.

Of the 21 mainland regions, only Alsace stayed under the UMP's control.

The socialists held their existing eight regions, and seized another 12 from the centre-right.
Bureau Report