The new French government, led by Michel Barnier, has been revealed, featuring two politicians of Moroccan origin: Rachida Dati, who retained her role as Minister of Culture, and Othman Nasrou, appointed as Secretary of State in charge of Citizenship and Combating Discrimination.
French media reported that President Emmanuel Macron has approved the new government lineup, which includes both members from the previous administration (Rachida Dati and Minister of Armed Forces and Veterans, Sébastien Lecornu) and new faces, notably Bruno Retailleau as Minister of the Interior, Didier Migaud as Minister of Justice, and Jean-Noël Barrot as Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs.
The French press added that Macron will meet with the new government under Barnier’s leadership on Monday to hold a cabinet meeting, awaiting Barnier's first political speech before the French Parliament (National Assembly), where he will outline his general policies and prepare to pass the general budget.
French media reports highlighted that retaining Rachida Dati, of Moroccan origin, in her position in Barnier’s government confirms the political consensus around her and recognizes her contributions to the cultural field. Meanwhile, attention is focused on Othman Nasrou, the second Moroccan-origin politician in this government, who was born in Casablanca in 1987.
Barnier's decision to appoint Nasrou as Secretary of State in charge of Citizenship and Combating Discrimination stems from Barnier’s familiarity with Nasrou's expertise in this field, especially as Nasrou is also part of the “Les Républicains” political group, the same party from which Barnier emerged to lead the new French government.
The presence of two politicians of Moroccan origin in the French government holds political and diplomatic significance for Morocco, especially since these figures have repeatedly expressed pride in their Moroccan heritage.
In this context, it is worth noting that French Minister of Culture, Rachida Dati, participated in the reception chaired by King Mohammed VI on July 30, on the occasion of the 25th anniversary of his accession to the throne of Morocco, in the city of M’diq.
Dati posted a photo of herself with the French ambassador to Rabat in front of the reception venue in M’diq, accompanied by a caption: “It is an honor to be present in Morocco on this historic day for Franco-Moroccan relations. This historical journey is essential and irreversible. We are all architects of this path.”
In the same post, Dati added, “All my respect to His Majesty King Mohammed VI and President Emmanuel Macron for their ambitious vision for our two nations, which know that our future, from one shore of the Mediterranean to the other, can only be shared. Long live Morocco and long live France!”
It is also worth noting that Dati had previously posted a statement describing France’s new position supporting Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara as a “historic event.”
On another note, the formation of the new French government, after months of delay, is expected to bring closer President Macron’s visit to Rabat, in response to a previous invitation extended by King Mohammed VI after Macron announced his country’s recognition of Morocco’s sovereignty over the Sahara.
The delayed formation of the new government in Paris has postponed many of President Macron’s agendas, including the official visit to Morocco.
