France has been thrown into a fresh political crisis after President François Hollande told his prime minister to form a new government, following criticism of his policies by the country's economy minister.

Hollande ordered the prime minister, Manuel Valls, to form a new cabinet "consistent with the direction he has set for the country", the presidency said in a statement.

It did not give any reasons, but the move came after the economy minister, Arnaud Montebourg, criticised the country's economic direction and its ally Germany at the weekend in a move that angered Valls.

While Valls himself has not reacted, his aides said on Sunday that Montebourg had crossed a line.

The presidency said the new cabinet lineup would be announced on Tuesday.

France has had effectively no economic growth this year and Hollande's approval ratings are in the teens. The country is under pressure from the European Union to get its finances in order, but Montebourg has questioned whether the austerity measures suggested by the EU will kickstart French growth.

Montebourg angered the Socialist leadership by saying "a major change in our economy policy" was needed from the president and prime minister.

It countered by saying Montebourg's job was to support the government, not criticise it from within.

Bakudaily.Az