Hollande says expects to form new govt Wednesday

PARIS: France's incoming president Francois Hollande said Thursday that he expected to form his new government on Wednesday, the day after his inauguration.

The Socialist leader, who defeated the right-wing Nicolas Sarkozy in Sunday's second-round presidential election, is due to visit Berlin for talks with German Chancellor Angela Merkel after his swearing-in Tuesday.

"The formation of the government will probably take place late the next day," he said. (AFP)