Sarkozy speaks about Islam, integration and Rachida Dati’s roots

Several days before the vote for the UMP presidency, Nicolas Sarkozy mentioned “one of his favorite themes,” that is, “integration the French way.” According to Sarkozy, it is the “biggest failure in thirty years.” He quickly elaborated on this statement, saying, “It is not a question of our fellow Muslims, most of whom bring honor…

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The Guardian Profiles Former French Minister Rachida Dati

This article in the the Guardian profiles Rachida Dati (b. 1965), former French justice minister, which she stepped down from in May 2009. She has come under scrutiny for her fashion sense and as a single mother of Algerian-origin. She was the second of 12 children born to north African immigrant parents, neither of whom…

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Notable popularity of Muslim French Human Rights Minister Ramatoulaye Yade

With a compelling character, political talent and outspoken criticism of President Nicolas Sarkozy, Human Rights Minister Ramatoulaye Yade is emerging as France’s most popular political figure. She had never run for political office until chosen by Sarkozy as a spokesperson for his presidential campaign. Yade was appointed as France’s first-ever minister for human rights in…

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French Justice Minister Rachida Dati back to work 5 days after birth

Justice Minister Rachida Dati has turned heads in Paris, having moved out of the maternity ward and into a Cabinet meeting five days after giving birth at age 43. While Dati has wide public support, she has largely fallen out of favor with magistrates, lawyers, and President Nicholas Sarkozy, who many claim propelled the daughter…

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    Muslim Couple in Lille Upset with Appeal on their Marriage Annulment

    A French couple who accepted a court annulment of their marriage when the woman admitted she was not a virgin on their wedding day are upset with the state’s appeal of their case. Led by Rachida Dati, the Justice Ministry has requested that state prosecutors file an appeal against the ruling annulling the marriage of…

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