French Culture Minister Rachida Dati resigned on Feb. 25 to focus on her bid to become mayor of Paris, with the first-round vote set for March 15. She told BFMTV she had sent her resignation letter to President Emmanuel Macron, who has accepted it and publicly offered his support. Polls from Ifop place Dati as the frontrunner, though the outcome may be decided in a March 22 runoff.
Rachida Dati Resigns as Culture Minister to Focus on Paris Mayoral Bid
French Culture Minister Rachida Dati leaves following the weekly cabinet meeting at the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, February 4, 2026. REUTERS/Sarah Meyssonnier
PARIS, Feb 25 — French Culture Minister Rachida Dati resigned on Wednesday to concentrate on her campaign to become mayor of Paris, with the first-round vote scheduled for March 15.
In an interview with BFMTV, Dati said she had sent her letter of resignation to President Emmanuel Macron earlier the same day. The presidency confirmed it had accepted her resignation.
"The head of state thanked her for the useful action she has carried out in service to the French people over the past two years and offered her his full support in the fight she is waging," the presidential office said.
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Dati, who recently oversaw the leadership change at the Louvre Museum following a series of high-profile crises, is regarded by pollster Ifop as the frontrunner to lead Paris city hall. However, Ifop and other observers expect the contest may be decided in a second-round runoff scheduled for March 22 if no candidate secures a majority in the first round.
(Reporting by Inti Landauro; Editing by Mark Porter)
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