Rasida Dati, the French Minister of Culture, appears poised to resign from her government position on February 22, with the backdrop of municipal elections in Paris set for March 15. Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu is reportedly planning a wider cabinet reshuffle, and tensions between him and Dati became evident in a recent private meeting. Lecornu had urged Dati to depart earlier than she intended, leading to disagreements as she aimed to control the narrative of her resignation as being voluntary and for the benefit of Paris, rather than a decision imposed by the Prime Minister.

Sources close to Dati indicate that she wanted to choose her moment to leave, emphasizing her agency in the matter and bolstering her image in the eyes of the public. The issues surrounding her potential departure are compounded by President Emmanuel Macron granting her significant autonomy to manage cultural affairs, which has led to an internal power struggle within the government. The dynamics of this situation underscore the complexities and competing interests within the French government as it prepares for the upcoming elections.

As the political scene heats up with the approach of local elections, Dati's resignation could have implications for both her political future and the broader strategies of the current administration. The cabinet reshuffle planned by Lecornu illustrates a significant pivot in government management, which might aim to respond to the critical shifts in voter sentiment ahead of the elections, ultimately impacting the future prospects for the ruling party, La République En Marche!.