Ahead of reshuffle, French govt steps down

France’s government has resigned ahead of a reshuffle that comes 24 hours after President Francois Hollande’s Socialists suffered losses in nationwide municipal elections seen as a referendum on his leadership. Disappointment with the Socialists’ handling of the economy drove many voters to conservative or anti-immigrant far-right candidates in the elections on Sunday. Hollande is expected to announce a new prime minister Monday evening, after having met with outgoing Prime Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault. Hollande hopes the reshuffle will boost the government’s popularity.