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Naïma Moutchou appointed as France’s minister of public transformation and digital affairs
Naïma Moutchou, a French-Moroccan politician and lawyer, has been appointed as France’s new Minister of Public Transformation, Artificial Intelligence, and Digital Affairs in Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu’s cabinet. Her nomination marks a symbolic milestone for diversity and gender representation in a sector traditionally dominated by men.
The 44-year-old legislator, who has served as a member of parliament for Val-d’Oise since 2017, is widely recognized for her sharp political instincts and assertive approach. Before joining the government, she was vice-president of the National Assembly and spokesperson for Horizons, the political movement led by former Prime Minister Édouard Philippe.
A deliberate move into leadership
Moutchou’s appointment did not come as a surprise. Just days earlier, she declined to seek another term as Assembly vice-president, fueling speculation of her upcoming ministerial role. According to Libération, Philippe had previously encouraged her to acquire executive experience, reportedly telling her, “It would be good for you to manage an administration.”
Her political journey has been shaped by a refusal to conform to tokenism. When offered positions related to gender equality or social affairs, Moutchou declined, asserting, “I am not the Arab token.” She instead sought portfolios aligned with her interests in law, governance, and technology.
A firm stance and growing influence
Moutchou’s tenure in the National Assembly earned her a reputation for independence and rigor. Earlier this year, she sharply criticized then-Prime Minister François Bayrou for arriving late to budget discussions, quipping, “Thank you for coming after the war,” a remark that underscored her forthright style.
Initially a supporter of Emmanuel Macron’s centrist movement, Moutchou joined Édouard Philippe’s Horizons party in 2021, frustrated by what she described as the “start-up style” of Macron’s administration. Within Horizons, she led the “Ideas Pole,” tasked with shaping policy proposals on justice, governance, and public innovation.
Experience and vision for reform
Throughout her parliamentary career, Moutchou focused on justice and security. She served as the main rapporteur for the 2018 law against fake news and has advocated for stronger penalties against attacks on public officials. Her proposed bills to restore mandatory minimum sentences in 2023 and 2025 did not pass but bolstered her credibility among conservative lawmakers.
Her new role places her at the heart of France’s technological and administrative modernization, overseeing policies related to artificial intelligence, digital transformation, and public sector reform. Her appointment reflects both the growing influence of women in French politics and the country’s ambition to remain at the forefront of digital governance in Europe.
