{{front-34-image-165551.jpeg}} {{front-34-image-165547.jpeg}} {{front-34-image-165569.jpeg}} {{front-34-image-165515.jpeg}} (Fig. 1) The striking African-descended Rama Yade was appointed Secretary of State for Human Rights. (Fig. 2) Fadela Amara, unexpectedly appointed as Secretary of State for Urban Affairs under the Ministry of Urban Affairs and Housing, became the most eye-catching figure in this cabinet. (Fig. 3) The promising young Valerie Pecresse serves as Minister of Higher Education and Research. (Fig. 4) Jean-Louis Borloo, the Minister of Ecology, Energy, Sustainable Development and Spatial Planning, looks triumphant. All images from www.20minutes.fr.

Following the recent parliamentary elections, the new government led by François Fillon underwent minor reshuffling after Alain Juppé’s resignation as Minister of Ecology, Energy, Sustainable Development and Spatial Planning. Jean-Louis Borloo, recently appointed Minister of Economy and Finance, replaced Juppé as head of ecology. Christine Lagarde, Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries, became France’s first female Minister of Economy and Finance, overseeing economic reforms promised by the President, including tax cuts and labor market liberalization. Michel Barnier, former Foreign Minister and current European Commissioner (56), was appointed Minister of Agriculture and Fisheries; other positions remained unchanged.

The number of Secretaries of State increased from four to sixteen. Appointments emphasized gender equality, openness to figures from different parties and civil society, and racial diversity, suggesting a recruitment of social elites and specialists rather than a single-party monopoly. Most new Secretaries of State belong to a promising younger generation: Laurent Wauquiez (32), Government Spokesman; Valerie Letard (44), former UDF senator, Secretary of State for Social Solidarity under the Ministry of Work, Social Relations and Solidarity; Nathalie Kosciusko-Morizet (34), close to former President Chirac, Secretary of State for Environmental Protection under the Ministry of Ecology; Christian Estrosi (51), close to the current President, Secretary of State for Overseas Territories under the Ministry of Interior; André Santini (68), prominent UDF mayor and MP, Secretary of State for Public Affairs under the Ministry of Economy and Finance; Jean-Marie Bockel (57), Socialist Party mayor and senator, symbolizing the openness of the Fillon government, Secretary of State for Francophone Countries and Cooperation under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Hervé Novelli (58), Secretary of State for Foreign Business and Companies under the Ministry of Economy and Finance.

Fadela Amara (43), one of the most dramatic appointments, comes from the famous neighborhood defense association "Neither Whores nor Nuns." Unexpectedly appointed as Secretary of State for Urban Affairs, she is the most eye-catching figure in the cabinet and a symbol of political openness and ethnic diversity. Alain Marleix (61) serves as Secretary of State for Military Families under the Ministry of Defense. Another striking appointment is the young African-descended (Senegalese) Rama Yade (30), a graduate of the École nationale d'administration who worked in the Senate, appointed as Secretary of State for Human Rights (under the Ministry of Foreign Affairs). This breaks the unprecedented all-white characteristic of the French political system, a shock following Felix Houphouët-Boigny’s tenure as minister in Ivory Coast. Luc Chatel (42) serves as Secretary of State for Consumption and Tourism under the Ministry of Economy and Finance. Another surprise is Bernard Laporte (42), rugby coach and friend of President Sarkozy, appointed as Secretary of State for Sports and Youth; due to the Rugby World Cup in Paris in mid-September, he will take office after the tournament. As Washington Post reporter Molly Moore joked in a feature, the French Revolutionary slogan "Liberty, Equality, Fraternity" is fast becoming "Liberty, Equality, Diversity."

The new government has 32 members, including 11 women, generally middle-aged around 50, with 13 under 50. Rama Yade is the youngest at 30, followed by Government Spokesman Laurent Wauquiez. This new cabinet reflects President Sarkozy’s political wisdom and historical vision, combined with François Fillon’s pragmatic considerations, aiming to reform France’s traditional political system and open a new political landscape. By recruiting elites from both left and right to break France’s divisions, it seeks to consolidate major domestic and foreign reforms.

Clearly, the National Assembly is monochromatic; it is hard to see other colors (what about overseas territories?), especially among African, Arab, or Asian MPs. One can hardly imagine the true ethnic representativeness of this parliament, which contrasts sharply with the French national football team. What do these symbols mean? It is not difficult to understand if one is wise. Fortunately, in this diverse cabinet, there is Justice Minister Rachida Dati, of North African colonial origin, and two female secretaries of state: the Arab Fadela Amara and the African-descended Rama Yade. Hopefully, they are not mere ornaments in the French political system; their presence makes it more colorful (monochrome is suffocating). Otherwise, France, proud of its lack of racial discrimination, would be unimaginable. This election finally produced over a hundred female MPs. Compared to other European parliaments, France’s gender equality index is at the bottom, indicating room for improvement.