Paris - French President Nicolas Sarkozy has chosen the head of his ruling Union for a Popular Movement (UMP) party, Patrick Devedjian, to implement his ambitious economic stimulus plan, Sarkozy's office said on Friday.

The 64-year-old Devedjian will become part of the government and occupy a ministerial-level post in the office of Prime Minister Francois Fillon.

On Thursday, Sarkozy presented an economic stimulus plan that will cost some 26 billion euros (33 billion dollars) to implement.

It includes support for the ailing auto and housing sectors, accelerated state payments of tax credits and rebates to French industry and accelerated public infrastructure investments.

French media reported that Immigration Minister Brice Hortefeux, a Sarkozy confidant, will replace Devedjian as head of the UMP. (dpa)