Rachida Dati has announced her resignation as France’s culture minister to concentrate on her campaign for the upcoming Paris mayoral elections. In an interview with the television station BFMTV on Wednesday evening, Dati confirmed that she submitted her resignation letter to President Emmanuel Macron, who accepted it promptly. The government has not yet appointed a successor, though an announcement is anticipated in the coming days.
Serving as culture minister since January 2024, Dati has navigated multiple cabinet reshuffles while advocating for significant reforms in the cultural sector. Her tenure has been marked by efforts to expand film distribution across all regions of France, with a particular focus on rural areas. Dati has also collaborated with the Minister of Education to revive film education programs in schools, highlighting her commitment to enhancing arts and culture education throughout the country.
Key Initiatives and Challenges
Throughout her time in office, Dati has been a vigorous supporter of France’s film financing model, especially the role of the CNC (Centre National du Cinéma et de l’Image Animée). She defended the organization against criticism from right-wing politicians, emphasizing the importance of public funding in sustaining the film industry. Additionally, she has actively pushed for reforms in public broadcasting, proposing the creation of a joint holding company that would unify France Télévisions, Radio France, and the National Audiovisual Institute (Ina). Despite her ambitious plans, these reforms have encountered obstacles and have yet to materialize.
In her interview, Dati expressed the significance of her decision to resign, stating, “The coming weeks will be decisive for Paris and my candidacy. Paris is the fight of my life. I will change Paris and the life of Parisians.” Her determination underscores the high stakes of the upcoming municipal elections.
The elections for the Paris mayoral position are scheduled for March 15, 2024, with a runoff on March 22, 2024. As Dati shifts her focus to her campaign, she is also set to face trial in September 2024 for corruption charges alongside former Renault-Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn.
In a statement following her resignation, Macron’s office expressed gratitude for Dati’s contributions, stating that the president “thanked her for her valuable work on behalf of the French people over the past two years and offered her his full support in her ongoing efforts.”
As the political landscape in Paris evolves, Dati’s departure from the culture ministry marks a significant transition, one that will undoubtedly shape the upcoming electoral battle in the French capital.
