French Culture Minister Rachida Dati Resigns to Run for Paris Mayor

Rachida Dati has resigned as France's Minister of Culture, citing her intention to focus on her campaign to become the next mayor of Paris. The resignation, announced on February 25, comes amid a crisis at the Musée du Louvre that led to the resignation of its director Laurence des Cars. Dati, born in 1965, stated she leaves with 'respect' and 'gratitude,' highlighting projects she led at the ministry. Her tenure was marked by mixed perceptions: she restored visibility to the ministry but faced corruption accusations and will appear in court this autumn alongside former Renault-Nissan CEO Carlos Ghosn. Critics had initially questioned her lack of cultural background, and Paris Mayor Anne Hidalgo accused her of a 'trumpification of culture.' Dati failed to prevent recent budget cuts to culture but claimed she minimized damage. Her most controversial proposal was a public broadcasting reform that sparked strikes at Radio France. She was associated with the Louvre's turmoil, including a staff letter about poor conditions, strikes, and an October theft. Dati announced a 'reorganization mission' for the Louvre in late December but later abandoned it. She accepted des Cars' resignation this week after initially refusing it. Dati now returns to politics with the center-right Republicans party. She previously ran for mayor in 2020, losing to Hidalgo. The election is set for March 15, with a possible runoff on March 22.