The World - News from July 8, 1988

French cancer specialist Leon Schwarzenberg resigned as health minister, just 10 days after taking office and two days after a storm of protests erupted over his plan to hand out narcotics in an effort to stop pharmacy break-ins. Premier Michel Rocard’s office issued a statement saying Schwarzenberg stepped down after the premier reminded him of instructions concerning “government communication.” The appointment of Schwarzenberg, one of a handful of independents brought into the minority Socialist government, had been considered a public relations coup for Rocard.