On Thursday, the French presidency announced a mini cabinet reshuffle, appointing Catherine Pégard as the new culture minister. Pégard, a veteran journalist, and former head of the renowned Versailles Palace, brings significant cultural and administrative experience to the role. She succeeds Rachida Dati, a conservative politician who is stepping down to focus on her campaign for the mayor of Paris in the upcoming elections.

As the new culture minister, Pégard is expected to face a range of challenges, including promoting French cultural heritage and supporting artists during complex economic times. The reshuffle comes at a crucial moment as the government seeks to assert its direction and priorities in the cultural sector. The appointment also signals a continued effort to integrate diverse backgrounds into leadership roles within the French government.

In addition to Pégard's appointment, the reshuffle includes other notable changes within the cabinet, such as the return of Sabrina Roubache as a deputy education and training minister and the elevation of government spokeswoman Maud Bregeon to a deputy energy minister. These changes reflect the government's drive to maintain a dynamic and effective administration as they approach significant political events, including the Paris mayoral elections.