PARIS, (Reuters) – Two French junior ministers  resigned yesterday over spending scandals, a move likely to  embarrass President Nicolas Sarkozy’s unpopular government at a  time when it is preaching sobriety and austerity.

A statement from Sarkozy’s office said state secretary for  overseas development Alain Joyandet and Christian Blanc, state  secretary for the Greater Paris region, had resigned.

Joyandet drew criticism after he chartered a private jet for  116,500 euros ($142,500) to attend a meeting in Martinique,  while Blanc bought 12,000 euros worth of Havana cigars with  taxpayers’ money.

Media revelations of wasted public funds have prompted a  government clampdown on perks, although not on the scale of  Britain’s expenses scandal last year when leaked details of  deputies’ dubious claims caused an outcry.

Sarkozy, facing plummeting approval ratings and a widespread  backlash over his pension reform plans, hinted last week that  there could be a government reshuffle in October.