France's Hollande wants "gov't of clarity" to back reforms

PARIS - After a sudden decision to oust rebel ministers, French President Francois Hollande on Tuesday asked the creation of a "government of clarity," in a bid to back reforms aimed at promoting growth and reach balanced finances.

Citing source close to the Elysee, the news channel BFMTV said,

Hollande, whose majority was on edge, "needs to ensure consistent behavior, respect and solidarity."

An announcement of the new cabinet is expected by late afternoon, the report added.

For his second cabinet in five months, Prime Minister Manuel Valls was still seeking to put together an effective and pro-reform cabinet after former Economy Minister Arnaud Montebourg openly criticised the government's "...absurd austerity policies which are burying the eurozone deeper and deeper in recession and which will soon end up with deflation."

At least two other ministers, Benoit Hamon, charged with national education portfolio, and Aurelie Filippeti, culture minister exit the government, a further sign that echoed the feeble majority of the Socialist president, already struggling to convince disillusioned voters and European partners about his economic credentials.

"There are times when one must choose to resume his freedom to act and it is incompatible with a membership in the next government," Filippeti told BFMTV

"It's not our aim to provoke a government crisis. I will support the new government," she added.

At the commemoration of 70 anniversary of Paris Liberation on Monday, Hollande said "we will obtain nothing without efforts" in response to growing critics over his economic policy that failed to put the country's growth on track, stem rampant unemployment rate and meet deficit target.