DHAKA: French president Francois Hollande’s former partner, Segolene Royal, has joined the government in a major reshuffle by the ruling Socialists.

She will serve as environment minister in the cabinet of the new prime minister, Manuel Valls, reports the BBC.

Valls was appointed to the job after the Socialists suffered a humiliating defeat at local elections.

The finance minister, Pierre Moscovici, has left the government, with his job now split between two ministers.

Michel Sapin takes charge of finance while Arnaud Montebourg will be in charge of industry and economy.

BDST: 1904HRS, APR 02, 2014