Danish prime minister shuffles government
COPENHAGEN (AFP) - Denmark's first woman foreign minister appointed as Prime Minister Lars Løkke Rasmussen reshuffles his centre-right cabinet.
Lene Espersen, the current trade and industry minister and leader of the governing Conservative Party, steps up to become foreign minister, Rasmussen's office said.
The 44-year-old former justice minister takes over from Per Stig Moeller who moves to the culture portfolio.
Defence Minister Søren Gade -- one of the most popular figures in the government -- announced just before news of the reshuffle that he was stepping down and withdrawing from politics.
Gade said in a statement his decision was in the country's interest, following a string of incidents that undermined confidence in his ministry.
Last year Gade had a public falling out with the military after an officer leaked a controversial book about Danish forces in Afghanistan despite the minister's concerns it could endanger the country's troops.
Last Updated (Tuesday, 23 February 2010 10:07)
