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New French Culture Minister Appointed Amidst Budget Concerns
26 Feb
Summary
- Catherine Pégard appointed France's new culture minister.
- Rachida Dati resigned to run for Paris mayor.
- Industry concerned about potential future cuts to culture budgets.
Catherine Pégard, previously head of the Château de Versailles and an advisor on cultural affairs to President Emmanuel Macron, has been appointed as France's new culture minister. She succeeds Rachida Dati, who resigned on Wednesday to focus on her campaign for mayor of Paris, describing it as "the battle of my life."
The announcement of Pégard's appointment was made on Thursday, just hours before the César Awards ceremony. Dati served for two years, during which she promoted culture in rural areas and worked to limit cuts to the culture budget, which stands at €4.2 billion. The National Film Board (CNC) has also faced scrutiny due to falling box office figures.
With Macron's second term concluding next year, Pégard's appointment could be the last during his presidency. The French film and television sector remains apprehensive about potential further reductions in funding as the nation grapples with its national debt.
