国际英语新闻：Sarkozy defends cabinet reshuffle amid mounting criticism

PARIS, Nov. 16 (Xinhua) -- French President Nicolas Sarkozy justified the recent cabinet reshuffle and expressed faith in the new government on Tuesday.

The decision to rename Francois Fillon as premier was made "because I have great confidence in him," Sarkozy said in a 90-minute interview broadcast live Tuesday night on the country's main television channels France 2, TF1 and Canal+.

"He is very qualified," Sarkozy explained, adding that their long working relationship had remained unclouded throughout the years. He also called Fillon "the best person for the eminent position of prime minister."

The president, with his approval rating at an all-time low, now faces mounting criticism over the exclusion of centrists and left-wingers from the new government. Critics accused Sarkozy, whose first term ends in 18 months, of forming a "campaign team" to pave the way for the 2012 election.

"I wanted a very professional team ... I remain convinced that we must be open. This is not a government of supporters but a tightened one," the 55-year-old president stressed.

Expressing confidence in the new government, Sarkozy ruled out more adjustment till the end of his term, "barring unforeseen developments."