Rachida Dati faces judicial setback as CSM opposes reintegration

The High Council of the Judiciary (Conseil supérieur de la magistrature) has issued an unfavorable opinion regarding the reintegration of former minister Rachida Dati into the judiciary. Dati had sought to return to her original professional body to serve as a mission officer for the Delegation of European and International Affairs within the Secretariat General of the Ministry of Justice.

The Council cited her current involvement in criminal proceedings as a primary obstacle. Specifically, the Paris criminal court is scheduled to deliver a decision on January 21 regarding allegations of corruption and influence peddling. The CSM stated that these legal proceedings prevent her from performing duties that involve representing the judicial institution, particularly on an international level.

Additionally, the Council noted that the mission officer position had not been subject to any public recruitment or dissemination process. While the CSM's opinion is consultative, the final decision rests with the Keeper of the Seals, Gérald Darmanin. Although the minister has the authority to override the Council, such an action is described as extremely rare.