France: Rama Yade In The News

Yade Advocates A "True Republic" For French Of Foreign Origin; Argues For American-Style Affirmative Action

French Secretary of State for Sports Rama Yade has advocated a "real and not formal Republic" for the French of foreign origin, and called for "affirmative action" (article in French). "If the principles of the Republic are one of incredible modernity, it shouldn't be a model frozen for eternity," said Ms Yade, at a meeting on the theme of "diversity" in Colombes (Hauts de Seine), where the moderate-conservative and former human rights minister is an elected city councilwoman. "We are betraying France's ideals when we proclaim our commitment to a formal republic and not a real one," she added, zeroing in on the growing debate on national identity in a country where it is illegal to collect racial and ethnic statistics. "Are the French people revolutionary or not?".

Running for regional elections for the center-right UMP, Secretary Yade stressed, "The real debate was introduced on the political scene when [French President] Nicolas Sarkozy spoke of positive discrimination," she said, saying "affirmative action" is necessary.

Rama Yade: Obstacle To The Rise Of French President Sarkozy's Son?

In an interview with Le Post, Isabelle Balkany, the political "godmother" of Jean Sarkozy argues that "the trajectory of Jean Sarkozy and Rama Yade are different", that there's room for both Mr. Sarkozy and Ms. Yade to rise in the influential Hauts-de-Seine area, and that Rama Yade will prove her worth in upcoming regional elections in this Sarkozy bastion (article in French). As regular Booker Rising readers know, French President Nicolas Sarkozy wanted French Secretary of State for Sports Rama Yade - who has been polling as France's most popular politician for months - to contest regional elections in Val d'Oise. This district is where many poor immigrants live and which is infamous for its violence and riots. Secretary Yade resisted this request, because she grew up in Hauts-de-Seine district. Hauts-de-Seine is important because it's the launching pad for many high-profile French political figures, including President Sarkozy. It is the home district of his son, who recently had to resign after a nepotism scandal (i.e., Sarko wanted his son to head up Europe's largest business district despite having zero experience). Ms. Yade was one of the few UMP members to speak out against such nepotism, which resulted in a public outcry (and thus President Sarkozy's unsuccessful "wish" for her to contest elections in Val d'Oise).

Political Chic: Rama Yade Ranked The World's Third Best Dresser Among Political Figures

On another note, Elle magazine ranked Ms. Yade as the world's third dresser among politicos, after U.S. First Lady Michelle Obama (#1) and French First Lady Carla Bruni-Sarkozy.

Ms. Yade could incorporate more color into her wardrobe, but she typically looks tres chic.