Sarkozy's favourite (government) woman

Since gossip is acceptable in blogs, it's time to look at the close relationship between President Sarkozy and Rachida Dati, his Justice Minister.

Why not, since much of France is chattering about Sarko and his glamorous favourite and some of the speculation is -- unusually -- making it into the media. [above: the couple in Xian, China, yesterday]

Dati, who turns 42 today, is the supremely self-confident daughter of a Moroccan stone-mason and an Algerian mother. Last May, she became the main face of Sarko's "open" multi-ethnic, feminised government when he promoted her from back-room adviser to one of the most august Cabinet posts.

Since then, Dati has put up backs like no-one else. Her chief of staff and seven other advisers have resigned after conflict with her and judges and lawyers across France are demonstrating and threatening to strike over her quest to close about  100 courts and tribunals.

The line from palace insiders, passed around at Paris dinner parties, is that the couple are not an item. Sarkozy is just dazzled by the energy and charisma of his protegée. He has played her Pygmalion, seeing in her a younger version of his own hyper-dynamic self, they say. 

There is no evidence to suppose otherwise but I'll carry on because of the way that the recently-divorced president makes such a point of showing off his fondness for Sarkozette, as she is nicknamed. If he wanted to provoke gossip, he could hardly do better. 

He gushes over Dati's qualities in public. He made a special eight-minute television appearance to pay tribute to her when she was a guest on a talk show. He talks of her fondly, calling her on one occasion "ma beurette" -- my little Arab girl.

Most of all, he has stirred jealousy in the cabinet by taking "La Dati" almost everywhere with him. Originally billed as the closest friend of Cécilia Sarkozy, Dati spent the summer holidays with the still-married Sarkozys in New Hampshire. After their divorce, she went with Sarko on an official trip to Morocco, where she dined as his partner at the banquet with King Mohamed VI. He took her to Cardiff in October to watch France beat New Zealand at rugby.

In Washington this month, Dati arrived on Sarko's arm, clad in her usual drop-dead Dior, at the White House for dinner. Christine Lagarde, the Finance minister, and other female ministers in the party, were led in through a side door. Today, Dati is in Beijing, accompanying Sarko on a state visit. Her presence on the China trip has raised eyebrows because justice matters are not on the agenda. In addition, Rama Yade, the Human Rights minister, is not on the party. The two women do not get on, Le Parisien reports today. Yade, 31, who is of Senegalese origin and Sarko's other ethnic star, was dropped from the delegation at the request of "la belle Dati who is on all his trips, even when justice has only a small part in them," said the newspaper. 

Dati is an object of fascination -- five biographies are in the works -- and of sniping. Voici magazine gushed: "Rachida Dati fascinates with her vitality, her courage, her generous capacity to charm. She is in feminine version a cutting from the Sarkozy tree with a beautiful future no doubt ahead of her."

Dati is also said to be devoured by ambition and a tyrannic boss. Though a neophyte in politics she was reported last week to be aiming for the job of Sarko's Prime Minister. Le Canard Enchaîné revealed last month that she had added an MBA degree that she does not possess to her qualifications when she applied for entry to the judge's training school. She explained this away by saying she took the whole course but did not get time to sit the examination. 

Dati puts down the criticism to envy, racism and male chauvinism. Sarko is backing her to the hilt, relishing the way that she has caused such a fuss in the conservative, male and middle-aged justice ministry. He has also just given her a start as a real politician by parachuting her into the very comfortable 7th arrondissement as a candidate for municipal elections next spring. 

Dati has defended herself this month in a book-length interview with a journalist. She is weary, she says, of being constantly labelled as Sarko's ethnic minister. She talks about how tough she had to be to fight her way up from her humble origins.

"My life is not a beautiful story. I am not the heroine of an instructive novel to present to the people so they can shed a tear or to encourage them to work hard," she says in the book "Je vous fais juges".

Sarko is being "linked", as they say, with a string of possible female companions, ranging from tv journalists to a long-distance yachtswoman, but none of them are playing so well into the political soap opera as Madame Dati.

[below: Rama Yade, who didn't go to Beijing]

Comments

[azloon]

faking an MBA would essentially disqualify dati for public office in the u.s., though i guess it shouldn't be surprising that it's tolerated in france.

in a country that admires sexual 'incontinence' in its public servants (i love this french euphemism -- i can only think of these folks peeing their pants) would have little problem with their lying on c.v.'s.

it seems it's all about 'seducing' the electorate in france (another wonderful french usage) rather than integrity.

and as one of the great political and personal seducers of our time was driven to say, it all depends on what the meaning of 'is' is.

:)

[Frank Schnittger]

Well at least Dati, unlike Cécilia, actually shows up when invited to the White House. Perhaps she will help satisfy Sarkozy’s need to be surrounded by powerful women.

Shaking up the Justice Ministry hierarchy might also not be such a bad thing if it is part of a well thought through plan of administrative reform.

But the whole sense one gets here is of "Hello Magazine" style celebrity politics where how you look, and where you come from, is more important than what you do, and how well you do it.

Sarkozy seems to be reinventing himself and his regime in the style of an emperor or a Napoleon - surrounded by a coterie of sycophants. “Let them eat burgers” seems to be the new refrain to those who complain about the departure from the old French ways of doing things.

People talk a lot about the French culture of protest, but if this goes much further the French tradition of repression may also have to be invoked to maintain stability in such a centralised and bureaucratic state.

Sarkozy to found a new political dynasty?

[John Styx]

Azloon, this meaning of 'incontinence' is neither French, nor a euphemism. It comes straight from Latin. It means one's incapacity to restrain from lower appetites (the other meaning also exists in Latin). Medievalists still use it about nicolaism, ie. clerical incontinence.

[JuanE]

Both women are very attractive. But this is starting to feel like a king and his court. If they deliver the result France needs, it shouldnt matter. But if they dont, then they're settin themselves for harsh criticism.

[Dominique]

Well, Here we go again...

"Why not, since much of France is chattering about Sarko and his glamorous favourite"

Never heard about it in France where no one cares....On foreign papers only...

What is interesting about Rachida Dati is her Wikipedia page, very much representative of the french debate about ethnic definitions : there is a war word going on to know if she is "arab" or not!

More, as she is not the first immigrant minister, she can't be called that way, as she is not the first arab minister, she can't be called that way, and as she does not want to be identified through her ethnicity (very french indeed), she can't be called an arab! So, she's not arab in french, but she is in Wiki in english. Her three nationalities (french marocan algerian) is also discussed in french while only 2 are mentionned in Wiki english. If you add the arabic definition of what it means to be an arab (meaning "the one who speaks arabic"), things are getting tough!

see : http://fr.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rachida_Dati

The result is a delightfull : "Rachida Dati est la première personnalité issue d'une famille d'immigrés maghrébins à occuper un poste aussi élevé dans un gouvernement français"

Ouaahh! as americans say, every one is first at something!

[Dominique]

Azloon, John Styx,

About "incontinence" meaning "one's incapacity to restrain from lower appetites", then it can not apply to sex as it is one of the "highest appetite". ;=))

Juane, Franck Schnittger,

Yep, King or Emperor Sarko in on his way! I can't help myself and say : we told you so!

[James]

AZLOON: it always amazes me that some people still insist on parading the American way of doing things as somehow better!

This from a country that elected George W Bush!

Too funnny for words.

[qwerty]

Problems will start coming if a repeating pattern occurs in which Sarkozy lets his political choices be dictated by women who have a pesonal hold over him. His choice of Dati as minister of justice seems questionable to me: she has no more than 8 years of experience as a run-of-the-mill magistrate, and her whole career shows that she's an opportunist. Although I couldn't stand the unspeakable look of "mépris" on Montebourg's face one day when she was facing the Assemblée Générale (sexist, racist...), I'd tend to agree that she's not competent for this particular job. Couldn't they find another beurette with the right qualities?

[azloon]

John Styx --

of course, strictly speaking, you're right.

but for north americans, the word is largely associated with urinary and bowel incontinence.

coninental europeans, i guess, must see sexual 'incontinence' as a sort of involuntary "leaking" of sexual energy, in the same way we view urinary incontinence as an involuntary leaking of urine.

for us, sexual adventurism/compulsivity is seen as voluntary and subject to some measure of control. i wish this weren't so. it would make infidelity so much more easily excusable.

:)

[The 3rd Column]

If they are both unmarried and they hit it off, where's the problem?

[Adrian Masters]

How did she climb the ladder to fame?
Through the beds and sheets of the then sitting high?

Being in from nothing, means normally that something has happend to bring you in ....

[azloon]

['AZLOON: it always amazes me that some people still insist on parading the American way of doing things as somehow better!] James

James -- if you have followed this blog, you would know i haven't "paraded the american way of doing things" as superior or better in each and every aspect of society. clearly, it isn't.

different is not better. just interesting.

i suppose you didn't catch my reference to our former president. hardly complimentary.

you might want to practice some 'continence' in the area of reactivity/defensiveness when confronted with ambiguous remarks by an american. it might allow you to read more carefully.

incidentally, any reader can judge for him or herself if lying on a c.v. is an acceptable deceit. most americans believe it isn't. apparently, you must believe it is.

interesting.

[aulerque]

Charles, as regards presidential "links" you seem very welL inFormed.

[Frank Schnittger]

"faking an MBA would essentially disqualify dati for public office in the u.s., though i guess it shouldn't be surprising that it's tolerated in france." - Azloon

I somehow prefer someone who fakes an MBA to someone who fakes the reasons for going to war - which doesn't seem to be an impeachable offence in the U.S. But then to that incontinent mentality staining someone’s dress in the Oval Office is a far more serious and impeachable offence!

[John Styx]

Azloon, if I remember correctly, the Canard Enchaîné reported thus the line on Dati's resume: "MBA du groupe HEC : ancienne élève de l’Institut supérieur des affaires". So strictly speaking, she didn't fake a diploma, although the mention was (quite deliberately, of course) highly confusing.

Anyway, I don't understand why you seem (even mildly) surprised. You know very well that French voters have no qualms re-electing convicted misdemeanants (or even felons). It's also a well-known fact that lying doesn't have the same meaning and importance in the US than, say, in France or Italy.

Though you must remember that Americans didn't seem so shocked by the whole "Those weapons of mass destruction have gotta be somewhere" affair.

[Fernandez]

Well James, you are on your FIFTH republic! But, to each his own. C'est la vie. :-)

[Lily]

Is Dati married or is she not married ? If yes, who is she married to? Has this been a rumour only?

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

“Yep, King or Emperor Sarko in on his way! I can't help myself and say : we told you so!” (Dominique)

There has been no problem with King Sarko for the foreign observer so far. He just naturally fills the Presidency with due power. The French might have a problem with their République, though. I think Sarko will be fine (with as many girlfriends as he wishes) as long as people only strike to work less and earn more.

The problem – if there is any - isn’t inherent to Sarko’s personality. Sarko takes what is naturally his. He doesn’t break the law. He abides by the rules. He negotiates contracts with China. He helps the French economy. He doesn’t bother with Chinese human rights violations but defends French interests.

Sarko didn’t get elected to defend moral values. He got elected to run the country. So he does.

Yes, Clinton would have been a very happy man had he been French president. Tant pis pour lui. And Cecilia would have been very stupid to stay. Good for her.

[Anamika]

Am I the only one revulsed by ANYONE being called "the little Arab girl." I knew the French were sexist and racist, but never quite realised the revolting extremes of their prejudice.

[Florindalacava]

Alzoon, think about it (if you are capable of thought): Obviously Americans think our way is better, OTHERWISE we'd find a different way! The same is true of members of religions. What's wrong with saying, "My religion is the true one"? If they didn't, they'd join something else. Everyone must believe their beliefs are the right ones. That's why we support a pluralistic society. It doesn't offend me for you to say your beliefs are correct and mine are wrong. What you believe is in YOUR head. Just don't start trying to pass laws that require me to conform to your way, prevent me from acting in my way, or coerce me based on YOUR beliefs. Example: If you believe God gave us free will and also that abortion is wrong, then just let those who practice it answer to God. You save your own soul. And if you believe we have an obligation to support indigent people, then by all means, give them whatever you please of YOUR OWN assets and don't vote them a piece of someone else's, as they might have their own ideas about their social obligations. Thank God for the blessings of living in a pluralistic society where (to a greater degree than anywhere else) diversity is tolerated. One person's Utopia is a nightmare to another.

[Daisy]

She got the job because she was Cecilia's best friend and she kept the job because she's an ardent buttkisser.

[Fred Filter]

Actually the "cv affair" began as a rumour without any proof.

Days later, Dati did give proof that she didn't lie on her cv.
But that doesn't make the headlines, does it?

[Valentin]

"Ouaahh! as americans say, every one is first at something!"

Was there ever a woman of arab origin in the government? I don't find that negligible, especially knowing how particularly difficult is for arab, black or muslim women to break through and have a career at all.
Everybody praised the presence of that Martinique journalist woman on France 3. So much more for a Justice minister!

"I can't help myself and say : we told you so!"

Yah. Lefties as usual, nag nag nag, this is not good, that is not good, Sarko's hair is tainted, his eyebrow isn't trimmed, he's too egocentric, he's too agitated, now he's too surrounded by gorgeous chicks.

No Dominique, what you all said was that he has dictatorial tendencies, that he'll be a danger for democracy... or to my knowledge, he did not do one unconstitutional or undemocratic thing.
Sarko has to work hard to come near what was Mitterrand's court, or kingly actions (phonetapping everybody because obsessed with his second life secrecy).
Talk about lack of common sense, man...

[Valentin]

"Couldn't they find another beurette with the right qualities?
qwerty

The only explanation would be that far from only being Cécilia's friend, Rachida Dati has been around Sarko for about 6 years already as an advisor (besides working 5 years as a financial auditor and 5 more as legal auditor, magistrate and judge).
He might just bet on her potential, just as he did with Christine Lagarde, Rama Yade or others. We'll see in a year or so how this turns out.

3rd column
"If they are both unmarried and they hit it off, where's the problem?"

For lefties Everything related to Sarko is a problem. Some people just can't take defeat, it is that simple...

[Helen]

On the subject of Rama Yade not being in China, did anyone see Xavier Bertrand and the journalist Jean-Michel Apathie face off on Canal Plus this evening...Mr Apathie went so far as to call Ms Yade a "gadget" - it got pretty heated

[Marguerite.]

La Dati,ce ne serait pas etonnant qu'elle essaie de remplacer Cecilia parce qu'elle a les dents qui rayent le plancher !

[Joan B]

I like Marguerite's comment about Dati's teeth dragging on the floor. Perhaps it's best to translate for those not familiar with the French expression that long teeth is French for being very ambitious. Dati is certainly that. It's interesting that nobody finds her sympathique but everyone is impressed by the furious ambition.

[Valentin]

"Am I the only one revulsed by ANYONE being called the little Arab girl."

lol it's rather that in France it is not so pejorative anymore. Metissed girls adopted beurette now, it sounds good, coquettish even, and "ma beurette" is a bit like "pumpkin" - almost loving ! :))

As to French being sexist and racist, well I'd rather say southerners still prefer to treat women like princesses, open the door for them, pay the dinner bill. They also despise political correctness, so typical to Anglosaxony ! :)

[Valerie]

Personally, I don't know what the fuss is about. Presidents of every country surely travel with an entourage, female and male.

So Dati is getting to see the world and meet some shakers - why shouldn't she? He's hoping that the experience will help her career. She's taking advantage of her time in his graces. Win-win situation, it seems to me.

As for the diploma thing, in fact, I have known many French people who refer to their studies in this vague way without mentioning actual diplomas. One of the most frequent things I've heard is 'niveau BAC' or 'niveau Bac + 3'. People say 'I have a high school level of study' but don't say they graduated. It's weird but I have come across it enough to feel comfortable saying that it is quite common. And I've seen it many times on CVs, so...

[azloon]

John Styx --

i don't prefer either: fakers of degrees/diplomas or presidents who fake evidence to go to war. both are undesireable, and in the latter case, lethally so.

interesting about french having no qualms about electing felons. can you say more about that?

------------

Frank S.

i mentioned 'slick willie' in my original post re incontinence. i share your wonderment at the outcry over oval office fellatio. personally, i felt reassured upon hearing about it.

-----------

Florindalacava

sorry, i'm not sure what point you're trying to make though it seems quite passionate. but i share your doubts about whether i have the capacity to think or not.

[Matthieu]

The guy has no taste, I'd rather come to a party with the beautiful Rama Yade than with a crow like Dati.
Anyway, rumors put Sarko with Laurence Ferrari, an anchor woman on Canal Plus, a much better choice...

[christopher muir]

No doubt that this could, in time, spark off an inner-circle mutiny. Surely so shrewd a politician as Sarkozy couldn't be heading for big trouble so early. Thanks, CB, for the report - it stimulated me sufficiently to look up Enobarbus' wonderful speech in "Antony and Cleopatra." "...and her eyes were dark and pierced right through..." It, and the play's plot, should be compulsory bedtime reading for the possibly smitten president (if he ever sleeps).

Lily asked whether Dati was married. I read a baffling interview in which she explained that she did get marrried, at 25 I think (so nothing forced or under-age, she was already working) and then demanded that the marriage be annulled immediately after the ceremony...annulled, not just a divorce. Pretty startling about-turn, I'd say; I mean if you feel that strongly why go ahead with the ceremony in the first place?

[raindrop]

and in the mean time, the val d'oise is burning.

[JuanE]

Dominique, some how I believe Sarko and his entourage are doing a better job than what Segolene and co would be doing by now.

My point is that they are giving doubters and critics ammo to come back at them. Again, if they deliver (€20bn worth of contracts is not that bad) who cares if they go together, alone, or wearing a tutu. But if they dont, then critics, will have more to attack them with.

[debbie]

The words "beur" and "beurette" have nothing racist or derogatory about them. It means young French people with parents from Algeria, Morocco or Tunisia. It is quit a nice word, and for God's sake stop that tedious political correctness !

[Daniel Strohl]

Charles,

"a long-distance yachtswoman" : very funny !

Hereafter a French equivalent : navigatrice de plaisance au long cours
- navigatrice de charme au long cours

[Daniel Strohl]

Valérie,

"I've heard is 'niveau BAC' or 'niveau Bac + 3'

One of my friends used to say jokingly : "Je suis bac - 5".

He used to say also from time to time : "I look at the obituaries in the local paper to check if I am not in ..."

[ms marple]

Don't forget le petit Nicolas has Maman with him to chaperone them - I'm more outraged by Maman's mink coat than anything else - but even then we might think that knowing the Oriental respect and reverence for the elderly, Maman is as much a political "gadget" on this trip as Jean-Michel Apathie suggested yesterday evening that Rama Yade is in general.
As for Dati's MBA, I thought an MBA was USA-UK degree (Masters in Business Administration n'est-ce pas?), so I'm surprised that such a qualification is recognised in France, most non-French degrees aren't. If she did the studying without taking the exam, then I should think she doesn't officially hold that qualification, but USA degrees can be bought on internet, so why the fuss?
Le Petit Nicolas, from what we've been shown, didn't give more than a passing glance at the Terra Cotta Army, he seemed more interested in being photographed than anything else - so what else is new? This alone speaks volumes of his preoccupation with himelf and megalomania.
His son however (a real family affair this, birth of a Dynasty?), took the time to wander amongst the soldiers, showing a genuine interest in what must be one of the most mind-blowing discoveries of recent times. To his credit.
Are Dati and Srakozy "an item"? Frankly my dears, I don't give a stuff! :)

[Valentin]

"The guy has no taste, I'd rather come to a party with the beautiful Rama Yade"

Or maybe he looks for people his own size (lol) Dati's charm comes from the inside.. when you'll see her in that Dior dress, you'll understand :)

[john o'doe]

Not mentioned here so far is that la Dati lives with Henri Proglio, powerful CEO of Veolia Environnement, a major contractor to central and local government agencies.
Of course there is no suggestion that Sarkozy's favourite uses her influence to obtain business for her boyfriend. It just looks that way.
The French however still continue to claim, inspite of the healthy sales of Voici and Gala, that who sleeps with whom doesn't interest them in the slightest.

[The 3rd Column]

Re Sarkozy calling Ms Dati "ma beurette"

Assuming he really does refer to her as "ma beurette", don't think there's anything derogatory there at all; it's like a term of endearment, eg., mon petit lapin, mon canard or something sillier like ma bestiole, etc.

Re "Some people just can't take defeat, it is that simple..." -- Valentin

Absolutely spot on!

[D]

France is a very conservative, latin and paternalistic country. Women are either the power behind the throne, lending you to temptation and hell or to be blamed when things go wrong, but rarely your equal. Sarkosi is indeed a breath of fresh air, the son of an émigré (albeit a silver-spoon fed one),not an enarque and speaking "populo", ruling with a bunch of people that would not have been allowed near power before, but he is on the side of the nantis so it's ok. (I am all for making money but exclusively living on caviar gives you tunnel vision and indigestion in the long run). Yet he is behaving in a long tradition of French monarchs and presidents. What is the point of power if you can't abuse it. No new attitude there. Rachida Dati knows how to play the game and seems to enjoy herself. Favourites come and go, there are many reforms ahead.

[Sarah]

Debbie: Yes, but Dati is a 42 year old government minister, not a young girl. Don't you find 'Beurette' rather sexist and patronising? Can you imagine Sarkozy referring to Bernard Kouchner as 'mon petit médecin'?

[Valentin]

"Are Dati and Srakozy "an item"? Frankly my dears, I don't give a stuff! :)"

This brings to mind King Juan Carlos's recent reaction to one of Hugo Chàvez tirades.

PS1 These monarchs...

PS2 Where's Azloon when you need'im...

[ms marple]

The other evening, political analyst Jean-Michel Apathie pointed out that Rachida Dati is the only government minister not to wear grey and/or black. By which he remarks that "elle ne joue pas le jeu". It's all too fascinating for words.
I thought she dressed at Prada like "sa soeur Cécilia" but perhaps they don't frequent the same boutiques any more. I shan't sleep for worrying about this.
As far as her dress code goes, I'm wondering why she's still in sleeveless numbers, after all, shouldn't she be representing Parisian haute couture en robes de saison?
Ah là là là là là là :)

[Valentin]

"Can you imagine Sarkozy referring to Bernard Kouchner as"

LOL no, imagine he said to Rama Yade, Secretary of State and a married muslim woman, "You are very beautiful tonight!"
To which she (not being educated at the Lowood School for Girls) replied: "I know!" :))

[John Styx]

Sarah, maybe it's just a "my nigga" kind of thing.

Azloon, I'm not an expert in Common law, so let's assume I only wrote about misdemeanours and not actual felonies. Anyway, both local and prominent French politicians have been convicted of a variety of offenses ranking from vote fraud to fictitious employment and passive corruption (related or unrelated to party finance). Yet they were afterwards reelected without much qualms. Some examples: UMP Patrick Balkany was convicted of embezzelment and later reelected as mayor and MP. Socialist Henri Emmanueli was convicted in his capacity of treasurer of the Socialist Party of complicity in influence peddling, and later reelected as "conseiller général".

Finally, Charles, don't you think it's just a rerun of the old "king's mistress" line which so successfully disposed of Mrs Cresson 15 years ago?

[John Gregory Flinn]

Yes, AZLOON & JOHN STYX it all seems typically very Latin.
There must be a Brazilian soap opera that mirrors these events!

The spat between Rachida Dati and Rama Yade is intriguing.
The latter went to Chad to 'help' the Zoe's Arc mess but her impact and any outcome is unclear. Earlier she seemed to get very upset when the Police were clearing out some African squatters in Paris. I believe she is married.
But she was not allowed to go to China. That may imply that there is sufficient overlap between the briefs of Dati and Yame to allow Sarkozy to choose which one accompanies him, bla, bla bla.

"Ma beurette" reminds me of that apparatus used in analytical chemistry - take out the 'e'.....
There must be a French double-entendre joke there somewhere!

[Mauvezin]

> D "Favourites come and go"
*************
Favourites are the necessary umbrella for leaders used for dodging criticism against the head os State.

[Frank Schnittger]

Yes Azloon, it's important we don't make fallacious, fellatious, or phallicious assumptions about Sarkozy's liaisons. He may be narcissistic but...

[Daniel Strohl]

John Gregory,

take out the 'e'....

This is a sharp one !

[Daniel Strohl]

Frank,

"it's important we don't make fallacious ...

This is a sharp one too ...!

[Lily]

“she [Dati] did get marrried, at 25 I think (so nothing forced or under-age, she was already working) and then demanded that the marriage be annulled…I mean if you feel that strongly why go ahead with the ceremony in the first place?” (anon)

He, there can be social pressure at any time in life! It’s nice to hear of that ‘mistake’. To have experienced one’s own fallibility is certainly an asset for a justice minister, and it gives here a humane quality that distinguishes her from the cold rationality of, say, Condoleezza Rice.

This is very bad. How is Rachida going to marry me if Sarkozy keeps c--kblocking me.

[Terry]

The c--blocking comment was yours truly. I see my name got erased.

Is she married or not?

[John Styx]

Terry, an anon already answered your question. Mrs Dati got married when she was 25, but later got her marriage annulled.

Now legally single, she has for a boyfriend Henri Proglio, who is since 2003 chairman and CEO of Veolia Environnement, a water utility formerly known as Vivendi Environnement, formerly known as Compagnie Générale des Eaux. CGE was infamously involved in some public contracts corruption scandals.

[vdoxon]

the reason why Rama Yade was not part of the China Trip, is that she has not proved any talent for the job yet, contrary to Madame Dati. Madame Yade is often confused, she does not master her "dossiers" and intervene in topics out of her attributions ( sans papiers, housing problems..). Her absence means more a "disgrace" than any particular care for the Chinese. Rama Yade is the biggest failure, "miscast" of this government. She could return to her former job in the Senate, and no one will miss her..

[Peter Newman-Legros]

Enhancing CVs would appear to be more than acceptable in France where most office jobs seem to require fluency in English (or even two other languages) Of course you only have to say you are fluent as the interviewers probably cannot speak it to that level anyway... All part of the inflexibility of employment I guess where your leave is earned during the previous year ie you get none during your first year in a new job, French qualifications count far more than experience and ability to do the job, non-French qualifications and experience don't count at all. Then if you can get a job you are lucky to be paid 1500€ a month to be in charge of a entire building and on call 24/7.
Thank God for the cheap wine!!!

[Jane]

"ma beurette" -- my little Arab girl.

I don't know if anyone above has corrected you - but "beurette" does NOT mean little Arab!

It means "little Berber". OK?

(I am now going to read the Times's report on the French riots - and I bet they blame "Arabs" and not "Berbers".

I mean, isn't it time we Brits stopped being so ignorant about who is Berber and who is Arab?

NB If you want to know more about Berbers go to YouTube.com and search for Fellag - the brilliant Berber comedian.

[Thank you Jane. No-one has corrected me because it's not wrong. In standard parlance beurette means a young woman or girl of Maghrebian extraction in France. It came from Berber but that's it's meaning now. When Sarko said in Montpellier "avez-vous vu ma beurette" he was not talking about Berbers. CB]

[John Styx]

Actually Charles, the word doesn't even come from 'Berber' at all. It's verlan, a French street slang, which consists in inverting syllables to create slang words. You can even run the process twice. A few examples:

flic -> keuf
femme -> meuf
bizarre -> zarbi
arabe -> beur -> rebeu

[Yes John, I had also always assumed that beur was simply verlan for Arab but rebeu friends tell me that the sound of Berber was part of the reason for the inversion, which goes back to the early 1980s. CB]

[John Styx]

Interesting point, Charles. The Petit Robert explains the word simply as an apocope + verlan construction. Another argument is that 'Beur' is pronounced like 'beurre' (/bœʁ/) whereas 'berbère' is /bɛʁbɛʁ/, so the sounds are rather different. Plus Arabs and Berbers are two different ethnic groups.

However, it seems that some Kabyle associations interpret the word as the contraction of 'Berbères d'Europe'. A MA thesis available online favours the simple verlan explanation and notes that the Berber hypothesis has but few followers.
http://etd.lib.ttu.edu/theses/available/etd-05052005-165554/unrestricted/AuroreChaillouthesis.pdf

It seems the word was coined in the early 1980s indeed; there was a 'marche des beurs' in 1983 which made the word well-known to the general public.

[Jane]

Mme Dati is Berber herself because Rachida is a Tamazigh name (Tamazigh means "the free people" in Berber/Tamazight language - which is suppressed by the ruling Arabs in Morocco and Algeria - and is how Berbers refer to themselves).

You can bet that Mme Dati's roots are very important to her as Berbers/Tamazigh are a very proud people. They do not like being thought of as Arab!

[D]

Hi Mauvezin

Yeah I know, I have read the Prince.These days out of favours courtiers don't lose their head, just get great jobs where they capitalise on their connection to the full.

[millier marc]

Dati wasn't a model even she wears the dior 's dress.all this story is ridiculous.all this women are in the sarko's circus;
Sarko is a biggest clown of this circus.what's a shame!!!!!!!!