France names former Versailles Palace head Catherine Pégard as new culture minister
France 24
by FRANCE 24February 26, 2026
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France has appointed Catherine Pégard as its new culture minister in a recent mini-cabinet reshuffle. Known for her roles as the former head of Versailles Palace and a journalist at *Le Point* magazine, Pégard replaces Rachida Dati, who stepped down from her position to pursue her mayoral campaign in Paris.
Pégard’s appointment reflects President Emmanuel Macron’s strategy to bolster his administration ahead of critical elections, including the 2024 presidential vote. Her expertise in cultural affairs and historical preservation aligns with France’s emphasis on safeguarding its rich heritage and fostering creativity. This shift underscores the government’s commitment to prioritizing culture as a cornerstone of national identity.
In addition to Pégard, Sabrina Roubache has been reappointed as deputy education and training minister, bringing her experience in social affairs to the role. Maud Bregeon,
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Originally published on France 24 on 2/26/2026