Sarkozy regroups after elections

PARIS - French President Nicolas Sarkozy plotted strategy on Monday with his prime minister after their conservative party's crushing defeat in regional elections, with a Cabinet shuffle said to be in the offing.

Sunday's vote informally kicked off the 2012 presidential race, delivering a wake-up call to Sarkozy to change tack on jobs and other economic policies and reconnect with alienated voters if he wants to win a second term.

Prime Minister Francois Fillon met for 80 minutes with Sarkozy at the presidential palace with speculation widespread about who was likely to go in a Cabinet shake-up. Earlier, Sarkozy's chief of staff predicted a modest postelection reshuffle.