France, February 28: The French foreign minister has announced her resignation after being under fire for weeks over her contacts with the toppled Tunisian regime.
Michele Alliot-Marie stated in a handwritten resignation to President Nicolas Sarkozy that she decided to step down although she had not committed any wrongdoing,
She asked the president to accept her resignation, complaining about the harassment her family suffered from the media for the last two weeks.
There is speculation that she will be replaced by Defense Minister Alain Juppe who had served as France’s top diplomat from 1993 to 1995.
Alliot-Marie sparked controversy after she suggested that French riot police could help restore order during the Tunisian ‘Jasmine Revolution.’
Media reports revealed that she had flown free of charge in a plane owned by Tunisian business tycoon Aziz Miled shortly before the popular uprising in Tunisia, which saw the overthrow of President Ben Ali.
Other reports revealed that the parents of Alliot-Marie bought shares of a construction company owned by Miled.
Her actions had caused public backlash and opposition parties called for her resignation.
From a legal stand point, French ministers can use services offered by other countries irrespective of their regimes.
President Sarkozy is expected to talk about a government reshuffle on Sunday night when he addresses the nation during a live, televised speech.
———–Agencies