Former Château de Versailles President Catherine Pégard Appointed France’s Culture Minister, Succeeding Rachida Dati
Catherine Pégard, a former film journalist who previously worked in Nicolas Sarkozy’s cabinet and headed the Château de Versailles, has been appointed France’s culture minister.
Pégard succeeds Rachida Dati, who handed her resignation to French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday morning to pursue her ambition to become mayor of Paris which she described as “the battle of my life.” The municipal elections are starting in two and a half weeks.
The appointment of Pégard was unveiled on Thursday, hours before the start of the César Awards ceremony, France’s equivalent to the Oscars.
After presiding over the Chateau de Versailles for 13 years, Pegard was appointed director of cultural development at Afalula, the French agency co-managing the development of the Al-Ula heritage site in Saudi Arabia. She most recently worked as Macron’s advisor on cultural affairs.
Dati, who stayed in post for two years despite several government reshuffles, spearheaded the culture and rurality plan to promote access to culture in rural areas. She also reportedly fought to limit cuts to the culture budget which amounts to €4.2 billion — €200 million less than in 2025. Dati also led a push to include a panel on culture during last year’s AI Summit which was organized by the Elysée Palace.
Pégard could be the last culture minister appointed by Macron, whose second mandate will end next year. As France battles to reduce its national debt, the film and TV industry has been concerned about potential further cuts to budgets. The National Film Board (CNC), which backs the sector, has also been criticized in light of declining box office results.
Pégard succeeds Rachida Dati, who handed her resignation to French President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday morning to pursue her ambition to become mayor of Paris which she described as “the battle of my life.” The municipal elections are starting in two and a half weeks.
The appointment of Pégard was unveiled on Thursday, hours before the start of the César Awards ceremony, France’s equivalent to the Oscars.
After presiding over the Chateau de Versailles for 13 years, Pegard was appointed director of cultural development at Afalula, the French agency co-managing the development of the Al-Ula heritage site in Saudi Arabia. She most recently worked as Macron’s advisor on cultural affairs.
Dati, who stayed in post for two years despite several government reshuffles, spearheaded the culture and rurality plan to promote access to culture in rural areas. She also reportedly fought to limit cuts to the culture budget which amounts to €4.2 billion — €200 million less than in 2025. Dati also led a push to include a panel on culture during last year’s AI Summit which was organized by the Elysée Palace.
Pégard could be the last culture minister appointed by Macron, whose second mandate will end next year. As France battles to reduce its national debt, the film and TV industry has been concerned about potential further cuts to budgets. The National Film Board (CNC), which backs the sector, has also been criticized in light of declining box office results.