French premier asked to form new Cabinet

French Prime Minister Pierre Mauroy submitted his government's resignation to President Francois Mitterrand and was immediately asked to form a new Cabinet. The announcement by a presidential spokesman ended prolonged speculation on the political future of Mr. Mauroy, who has headed the government since Mr. Mitterrand was elected in May 1981. The spokesman gave no indication of the new Cabinet lineup, but persistent reports have said the President wanted a tightened government team to conduct a tough economic policy.