Catherine Pégard, known for her loyalty to President Emmanuel Macron, has been appointed as France's new Minister of Culture, replacing Rachida Dati. Pégard previously served as a cultural advisor at the Élysée Palace and was the president of the Palace of Versailles. Her nomination comes amidst speculation about her suitability for the high-profile role, especially since she prefers to stay out of the public eye.

Upon her appointment, Pégard faces immediate challenges, with the most pressing being to restore the tarnished reputation of the Louvre Museum, which has suffered since the theft of Crown Jewels last October. As Minister, she will need to tackle the management of national museums and monuments, ensuring that cultural institutions not only recover from recent incidents but also thrive under her leadership.

Her appointment marks a significant move within Macron's cabinet, showcasing a commitment to strengthen cultural leadership at a time when France's cultural identity is under scrutiny. Observers will be keen to see how Pégard handles her responsibilities and whether she can balance her preference for discretion with the demands of such a public-facing role.