Franco-Moroccan Author Leïla Slimani Rejects Potential Ministerial Role in French Government

"I find it very inelegant. Nothing would horrify me more!" Leïla Slimani responded, contacted by France Télévisions about the statement of the Les Républicains candidate, who mentioned her name to join her future government as a potential Minister of Francophonie. "That said, it would (still) make a beautiful novel idea!", added the novelist. In addition to the Franco-Moroccan writer, other personalities such as the former Chief of the Defense Staff Pierre de Villiers (Defense portfolio) and the judoka Teddy Riner (position of Minister of Youth) have also declined Valérie Pécresse’s offer.

The entourage of the candidate has sought to provide clarification on the offer. It is only a "spontaneous response to a question", we are assured. Valérie Pécresse herself tweeted an explanation of her offer. It had "never" been a question of presenting the members of her "future government", she clarified. "As in a ’Proust Questionnaire’, I cited personalities from civil society with whom I could work even if they do not share my ideas," the candidate insisted.