Today, President Sarkozy appointed his former spokeswoman Rachida Dati as the new Minister of Justice. Ms. Dati is from a Moroccan Algerian family with twelve children. She was Sarkozy’s spokeswoman during the Sarkozy’s election campaign. When questioned about her future role in the integration question with the Minister of the Interior, she cast Sarkozy as someone distinct from the Right. Here, she said, Arabs are not alone in seeing to their needs. Nicolas, she added, embodies best the refusal to let one’s birth determine their future. Minister Dati, at age 41, is the youngest high ranking official since John Hume. She will be taking over the position from Pascal Clement, criticized for his lack of political weight and unwillingness to work the system. Her lack of political experience may be an asset since she will not be bound by a pre-established reputation.
