Key Facts
- ✓ Rashida Dati publicly confirmed her political plans on January 18, 2026, ending months of speculation in Paris.
- ✓ She has served as France's Minister of Culture since her appointment in January 2024.
- ✓ Dati announced she will leave the cabinet specifically to campaign for mayor of Paris.
- ✓ The municipal elections for the capital are scheduled for 2026.
- ✓ She made the announcement during an interview on the radio station France Inter.
Quick Summary
Rashida Dati, France's Minister of Culture, has officially confirmed her intention to leave the government cabinet. Her goal is to run for the position of mayor of Paris in the upcoming 2026 municipal elections.
The announcement puts an end to months of political speculation in the French capital. Dati made the declaration during a public interview on January 18, 2026.
The Official Announcement
The political landscape in Paris shifted significantly on January 18, 2026. Rashida Dati, who has served as the Minister of Culture since her appointment in January 2024, utilized a national radio broadcast to clarify her future plans.
Speaking on France Inter, Dati addressed the rumors that have circulated in Parisian political circles for several months. She confirmed that she will step down from her ministerial role prior to the start of the municipal election cycle.
This decision marks a pivotal moment in her career trajectory. By leaving the cabinet, she is signaling a full commitment to the race for the mayoralty of the French capital.
"She announced in the broadcast that she will leave the cabinet to fight for the mayor's office of the capital."
— Rashida Dati, Minister of Culture
Political Context
Dati's move represents a significant shift in the balance of power within the French government. As a high-profile figure, her departure from the cabinet creates a vacancy in a key ministry.
The timing of the announcement is strategic. It allows her to focus entirely on building a campaign for the 2026 municipal elections, which are critical for the governance of Paris.
Her tenure as Culture Minister, though relatively brief, has been marked by her visibility in the public sphere. Returning to local politics represents a shift from national to municipal governance.
She announced in the broadcast that she will leave the cabinet to fight for the mayor's office of the capital.
A Career in Transition
Rashida Dati is a well-known figure in the French political scene. Her career has spanned various levels of government, and her current role as Culture Minister placed her at the center of national cultural policy.
Her decision to step down highlights the intense focus on the upcoming Parisian election. The race for mayor is widely considered one of the most important political contests in France.
By publicly confirming her plans, Dati has effectively begun her campaign. She is positioning herself as a candidate ready to lead the city's future administration.
Looking Ahead
The road to the 2026 elections is now officially open for Rashida Dati. Her resignation from the cabinet will be a procedural step that precedes the official campaign period.
Political observers will be watching closely to see how her campaign develops. The race for Paris mayor is expected to be highly competitive.
This development confirms that the political focus in France is shifting toward municipal governance. The capital's future leadership is now a central topic of national discussion.
