At the National Assembly on Wednesday the 6th of May, Catherine Pégard faced her first major oral examination. The Committee on Cultural Affairs questioned her on her roadmap, several weeks after she was appointed Minister of Culture. Despite the focus on the publication of the report by the investigative commission on public broadcasting, books were among the topics discussed by deputies and the occupant of the Ministry of Culture.
In her opening remarks, Catherine Pégard acknowledged the decrease in resources for her ministry, a result of a budget debate dictated by ongoing constraints that must be faced. She shared that she accepted her share of the effort demanded from everyone, but warned that additional cuts in concentrated credits would have unsustainable consequences, as she recently informed the Budget Minister.
As a former president of the Château de Versailles, she stated her familiarity with the economic difficulties faced by the cultural sector, admitting that the heritage institution would have faced bankruptcy in the second half of 2023 if the state had not implemented a uniquely world-leading recovery plan.
When asked about the decrease in funding for the National Book Center, Catherine Pégard assured that she wanted to keep it as a key element of their book policy, praising its work and expressing the need for it to continue.
Looking ahead to budget negotiations for 2027, the Minister of Culture pledged to “fight” and emphasized the importance of enhancing dialogue between the state and elected officials, fostering cross-collaboration between territories, and promoting the movement of artists, productions, and works while also supporting artist residencies.
Context: Catherine Pégard’s oral examination at the National Assembly on key cultural and budgetary issues as Minister of Culture.
Fact Check: Catherine Pégard is emphasizing the importance of various cultural initiatives and the need for adequate funding to support the cultural sector in France.
