How many kinds of French minister are there?

A secr茅taire d鈥櫭﹖at is considered a minister, but subordinate to a more senior minister in charge of a large ministry

Liv Rowland Liv Rowland

Published Wednesday 15 December 2021 - 12:08 Modified Wednesday 15 December 2021 - 12:08

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Reader question: Who is considered a minister? Does a secr茅taire d鈥櫭﹖at qualify?

Yes, a secr茅taire d鈥櫭﹖at is considered a minister, but subordinate to a more senior minister in charge of a large ministry.

For example, Cl茅ment Beaune is in charge of European affairs, but falls under the larger Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs, headed by Jean-Yves Le Drian. They do not attend ordinary meetings of the Conseil des Ministres (French cabinet) but are called on when their specialism is on the agenda.

It is not to be confused with the UK鈥檚 secretary of state, who is a senior cabinet minister in charge of a major ministry.

There is also ministre d茅l茅gu茅, a minister who works alongside another senior minister helping them with part of their responsibilities. They attend the Conseil des Ministres. A title of ministre d鈥櫭﹖at is occasionally given as an honour or to designate certain high-ranking ministers who are, for example, heads of major parties.

No one is currently designated as such.