国际英语新闻：Sarkozy defends cabinet reshuffle amid mounting criticism

Meanwhile, he hedged questions on his preparation for the 2012 presidential election, saying he would start considering the issue next fall. ( As for domestic policy, Sarkozy proposed launching a six-month consultation to secure a dignified life for senior citizens, who represent a large part of the country's population of 65 million.

He also pledged to push forward fiscal reforms and defended the country's latest pension reform, which had triggered waves of nationwide protests before it was endorsed by the parliament.

"The jobless rate will fall next year. The economy is recovering. We will muddle through," Sarkozy said.

Prior to the president's television interview, Fillon told the National Assembly that the "absolute priority" of the government, which was formed on Sunday, remains fighting against indebtedness, unemployment and injustice.

In an uNPRecedented move in over five decades, the European country pledged to trim its budget deficit from a forecasted 7.7 percent this year to 6 percent in 2011 and 3 percent in 2013.

It also intended to accelerate growth to 2 percent next year from an expected increase of 1.5 percent in 2010.