De Villepin appointed French PM

Dominique de Villepin has been named as France's new prime minister, following the government defeat in Sunday's vote on the EU constitution.

The former interior minister replaces Jean-Pierre Raffarin, who tendered his resignation minutes earlier.
President Jacques Chirac promised cabinet changes after the referendum, in which almost 55% voted "No".
Correspondents say the result reflects domestic discontent as well as wider anxiety about the European project.
Mr Raffarin said in a TV broadcast after his resignation that he had made his decision independently of the EU vote.
He attempted to justify his attempts to reform France, but acknowledged these had not been accepted by the French people.
He promised to offer his support to his successor, who must, he said, try to continue the vital European project.

Biography:
- Born 14 November 1953
- Degree: Arts and Law
- Ecole nationale d'administration graduate
1980-84: Foreign ministry - African and Malagasy affairs
1984-89: French embassy in Washington
1989-92: French embassy in Delhi
1992-93: Foreign ministry - African and Malagasy affairs
1993-95: Chief of staff of the minister of foreign affairs
1995-02: Secretary general of the presidency
June 02: Appointed foreign minister
March 04: Appointed interior minister