France's Sarkozy unveils 15-strong cabinet

PARIS, May 18 (Reuters) French President Nicolas Sarkozy unveiled a broad-based cabinet today, naming a popular leftist and a centrist to key posts in a slimline government that radically reshapes various ministries.

Maintaining an election promise, Sarkozy appointed seven women to his 15-strong team and reduced the number of ministers by half by comparison with the previous government.

The new cabinet is due to hold its first meeting today at 4:30 pm (local time), said Claude Gueant, the president's secretary general who read out the list of ministers.

Alain Juppe, a former prime minister, was named as number two at the head of a newly-formed environment, sustainable development, energy and transport superministry.

Outgoing employment minister Jean-Louis Borloo heads up a new economic strategy ministry, with Eric Woerth head of a new public accounts ministry that will draw up the state budget.

Former Socialist health minister and human rights activist Bernard Kouchner was named foreign minister -- an appointment that showed Sarkozy's desire to reach out across the political divide, but a move that has also angered the left.

Centrist Herve Morin was appointed defence minister, replacing Michele Alliot-Marie, who switched to the interior ministry. Rachida Dati was appointed justice minister and Christine Lagarde agriculture minister.

Brice Hortefeux, Sarkozy's closest political ally, will take charge of a new immigration and national identity ministry.

REUTERS RN SSC1353