Headlines
French Culture Minister Dati quits to focus on run for Paris mayor
Published by Global Banking & Finance Review®
Posted on February 25, 2026
1 min readLast updated: February 25, 2026
Tags:public policy
Quick Summary
Rachida Dati resigned as France’s culture minister on Feb 25 to focus on her Paris mayoral bid. Macron accepted her resignation; polls point to a lead after a likely March 22 runoff, with the first round on March 15.
Rachida Dati Resigns as Culture Minister to Pursue Paris Mayoral Bid
Dati’s Resignation and Mayoral Bid
PARIS, Feb 25 (Reuters) - French Culture Minister Rachida Dati quit her post on Wednesday to focus on her candidacy for Paris mayor in an election scheduled for March 15.
BFMTV Interview Highlights
Resignation Letter to Macron
She sent her resignation letter to President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday, she said in an interview with TV station BFMTV.
Elysée Accepts the Resignation
Macron's office said he accepted the 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 office said.
Louvre Oversight After Crises
Polling and Recent Portfolio
Dati, who most recently oversaw the change at the helm of the Louvre Museum after a series of crises, is seen as the frontrunner in the race to helm city hall by pollster Ifop, but not until after a second round of voting set for March 22.
Reporting and Editing Credits
(Reporting by Inti Landauro; Editing by Mark Porter)
Key Takeaways
- •Rachida Dati resigned as culture minister on Feb 25 to focus on her Paris mayoral campaign.
- •She sent her resignation letter to President Emmanuel Macron; the Elysée said he accepted it.
- •Dati recently oversaw leadership changes at the Louvre following a series of crises.
- •Ifop polling sees her as the frontrunner, likely after a March 22 second-round vote.
- •Paris municipal voting is set for March 15, with a potential runoff on March 22.
Frequently Asked Questions about French Culture Minister Dati quits to focus on run for Paris mayor
1What is the main topic?
French Culture Minister Rachida Dati resigned on Feb 25 to focus on her campaign for Paris mayor, with the first round of voting on March 15 and a potential runoff on March 22.
2When is the Paris mayoral election?
The first round is scheduled for March 15, 2026. If no candidate wins outright, a second round will be held on March 22, 2026.
3Did the president accept her resignation?
Yes. President Emmanuel Macron accepted Dati’s resignation and thanked her for her service, according to the Elysée.
