**Previously Socialist Cabinet Member Najat Vallaud-Belkacem Takes up Role in the Court Auditors**
In a move that has sparked debate and controversy, Najat Vallaud-Belkacem, the former French Minister of Education, has been appointed as a senior advisor to the Court of Auditors. This oversight institution is responsible for verifying the use of public funds and ensuring government accountability.
Vallaud-Belkacem's appointment, announced in the Minutes of the Council of Ministers published on July 16, has been met with criticism, particularly from opposition parties like the National Rally. They question the process and view it as a political maneuver to secure support from the Socialist Party ahead of a potential no-confidence vote on the government's budget plan.
The controversy arises from the fact that Vallaud-Belkacem was appointed without a traditional qualification process, which is typically required for such a position. Instead, she will serve as a senior advisor, a role that may not require the same level of formal qualification or examination.
Vallaud-Belkacem's interview for the role was a significant step in her appointment process. Conducted by a six-member commission on May 23, the interview was a crucial part of her candidacy. The event was reported in "The Letter" on the same day.
Despite the controversy, Vallaud-Belkacem's new role at the Court of Auditors is a significant one. As a senior advisor, she will contribute to the institution's role in auditing public finances and ensuring government accountability.
It is worth noting that Vallaud-Belkacem has a distinguished career in French politics. She served as the Minister of Education, Higher Education, and Research from 2014 to 2017 under President François Hollande. Her tenure was marked by significant reforms in education, including the introduction of a new curriculum and attempts to address social inequalities in access to education.
Currently, Vallaud-Belkacem also serves as a Regional Councillor of Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes. The Court of Auditors sets a yearly control program for its members, as explained on their website, and it is expected that Vallaud-Belkacem will adhere to this program in her new role.
The Court of Auditors is an institution responsible for ensuring accountability in the use of public funds, and Vallaud-Belkacem's appointment comes at a time when scrutiny of public finances is more important than ever. As the debate surrounding her appointment continues, it remains to be seen how her role will evolve and what impact she will have on the institution.
[1] References: - The Council of Ministers' Minutes published on July 16, 2025 - "The Letter" report on May 23, 2025
- The appointment of Najat Vallaud-Belkacem as a senior advisor to the Court of Auditors has sparked political debate, with opposition parties like the National Rally viewing it as a policy-and-legislation maneuver to secure support ahead of a potential no-confidence vote.
- As a senior advisor, Vallaud-Belkacem will contribute to the general-news role of the Court of Auditors in auditing public finances and ensuring government accountability, a role that is more important than ever in the current political climate.
