Sarkozy meetings fuel talk of split with French PM

PARIS (Reuters) - President Nicolas Sarkozy met seven members of his government without the prime minister for the second time in a week on Thursday, fuelling speculation of a split at the top of the French executive.

The group included some of Sarkozy's closest political allies, including Welfare Minister Xavier Bertrand, who is widely rumored to want Prime Minister Francois Fillon's job.

The French media have speculated for weeks about divisions between the energetic Sarkozy and the more discreet Fillon, with commentators suggesting a recent worsening of relations.

"Why they hate each other," ran the front-page headline of weekly magazine L'Express last week, featuring an "investigation into the war between Sarkozy and Fillon."

Fillon acknowledged in a Sunday newspaper interview last month there had been "moments of tension" between himself and Sarkozy, but he has brushed aside rumors that Sarkozy's inner circle was conspiring against him.

"Let me reassure you, there is no replacement cabinet meeting at the Elysee (presidential office)," he told France 2 television on Wednesday.

"I spend half my time debating with the president and organizing meetings with the president," he added.

However, the French media has questioned why Sarkozy feels the need to hold regular talks with a small group of ministers outside the confines of the usual weekly cabinet meeting.

"Nicolas can't bear Fillon," Le Monde newspaper quoted one of the favored ministers as saying in its May 22 edition.

Sarkozy swept to power last year on a program of wide-ranging political and economic reform drafted in close cooperation with the understated Fillon.

While Sarkozy's popularity rapidly fell, because of voter anger over his turbulent private life, Fillon's standing rose, making him a political asset to the head of state.

However, Fillon's state of grace has now faded, with a BVA poll this week putting his approval rating at 42 percent to Sarkozy's 35 percent, and speculation of a split has grown.

Speaking strictly on the record, the ministers meeting Sarkozy on Thursday said they were not plotting against Fillon.

"We will meet every week but you know, one should not see plots or sub-groups or restricted cabinet meetings in these gatherings," said Family Affairs Minister Nadine Morano.

Other members of the government invited to the meetings include Immigration Minister Brice Hortefeux, one of Sarkozy's most long-standing allies, Budget Minister Eric Woerth and government spokesman Luc Chatel.

"The president told them he wanted to surround himself with a task-force of popular ministers at the heart of the reforms, those who defend him the most ... who would work with him the longest," said a close aide to one of the participants.

(Additional reporting by Emmanuel Jarry; Editing by Jon Boyle)