Russia and France appoint new Cabinets of Ministers

Russia and France announced their new Cabinets yesterday.   President Vladimir Putin has retained many key members of the outgoing Cabinet in the new Cabinet cementing his grip on power as he begins his third presidential term.

The key members retained their seats include Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov, Defense Minister Anatoly Serdyukov, Finance Minister Anton Siluanov, and  First Deputy Prime Minister Igor Shuvalov.

Meanwhile, the President Francois Hollande,  France's first Socialist president in 17 years has also appointed a 34 member Cabinet.  It is significant that this cabinet includes 3 Muslims and two of them are ladies.  (niz)