Hollande chooses his ministers.

Last week, Francois Hollande celebrated his election as France's new president.

Now, it's down to business for the country's first Socialist leader in 17 years.

One of his first tasks will lie outside France.

With Europe mired in a debt crisis, he will meet with German chancellor Angela Merkel to discuss the continent's economic future and the fate of the beleagured euro.

That could be a fiery meeting - Hollande spent much of his campaign pressing for things that Merkel stands against, including fewer austerity measures and a more political European central bank.

He is also tasked with appointing senior government officials back home - a process that will be closely watched by France's debt-struck neighbours.

At the top of Holland's list is naming a prime minister.

Among the front-runners are former presidential rival and Socialist power broker Martine Aubry…

…and the mayor of the western city of Nantes, Jean Marc Aryualt.

It's thought that Hollande is looking to include as many women as possible in a party traditionally dominated by men.

Defeated 2007 presidential hopeful Segolene Royal - Hollande's former domestic partner - is said hopeful to lead the lower house of parliament.

Final announcements for these, and other senior government posts, are expected later this week.

Andrew Raven, Reuters