Rachida Dati has resigned from her position as France’s culture minister to focus on her campaign for the upcoming Paris mayoral elections. Dati announced her decision on Wednesday evening during an interview with TV station BFMTV. She confirmed that she submitted her resignation letter to President Emmanuel Macron, who has accepted it. The announcement comes as preparations intensify for the municipal elections scheduled for March 15, 2024, with a second round on March 22, 2024.
Dati, who has held the culture minister role since January 2024, has navigated various cabinet reshuffles while championing significant initiatives. During her tenure, she advocated for expanding film distribution across all regions, particularly focusing on rural areas. Additionally, she aimed to enhance arts and culture education in schools, collaborating with the Minister of Education on a plan to revive film education programs.
In her time as culture minister, Dati vigorously defended France’s film financing model, particularly the role of the CNC (National Centre for Cinema and the Moving Image), especially when it faced criticism from right-wing politicians. She also pushed for reforms in public broadcasting, seeking to establish a joint holding company that would unite France Télévisions, Radio France, and the National Audiovisual Institute (Ina). Despite her efforts, these initiatives have encountered obstacles and remain unfulfilled.
“The coming weeks will be decisive for Paris and my candidacy. Paris is the fight of my life,” Dati expressed, highlighting her commitment to transforming the city and improving the lives of its residents. In response to her resignation, Macron’s office issued a statement thanking her for her contributions over the past two years and expressing support for her ongoing efforts in the mayoral race.
Aside from her political endeavors, Dati is also facing legal challenges. She is scheduled to stand trial in September for corruption charges, along with former Renault-Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn. This legal battle adds another layer of complexity to her campaign as she seeks to establish herself as a leading contender in the Paris mayoral race.
As the political landscape in Paris heats up, the focus now shifts to Dati’s next steps and the impact her resignation will have on the culture ministry and her aspirations for the city’s leadership. The appointment of her successor is anticipated in the coming days, marking a new chapter for France’s cultural landscape.
