🇮🇳🇫🇷 Understanding French Cabinet Structure: A Guide for Indian Expats in France & the EU
In September 2024, France welcomed its new Prime Minister, Michel Barnier, who unveiled a cabinet dominated by conservatives and centrists. For most French citizens, cabinet reshuffles are part of the political rhythm. But for Indian and South Asian expats—whether newly arrived students, professionals, or long-term residents—understanding who holds which portfolio is often overlooked yet critical for navigating administrative, social, and legal processes.
As L’Association Frehindi, working closely with Indian Embassies in France and across the EU, we regularly assist expats in decoding such changes to ensure smoother integration into French life.
🇫🇷🇮🇳 India vs France: A Quick Systemic Comparison
| Category | India | France & EU |
|---|---|---|
| Head of Government | Prime Minister | Prime Minister |
| Cabinet Appointments | Made by PM, approved by President | Made by PM, appointed by the President |
| Ministries | Centralized, hierarchical | Often distributed, with Ministers, Deputy Ministers, and Secretaries of State |
| Focus | Nation-first governance | Mix of national and EU-level priorities (like Europe Affairs, Francophonie) |
While India tends to have a clearer structure with Cabinet Ministers, Ministers of State (MoS), and Secretaries, France uses a layered structure: full Ministers, Deputy Ministers, and Secretaries of State. Each level holds specific authority and operates with varying degrees of independence.
Let’s break down the French cabinet under Michel Barnier, and explore how understanding this setup can save Indian expats time, confusion, and stress.
🧩 France’s Cabinet of Ministers (September 2024)
🏛️ List of Key Ministers
| Minister | Portfolio |
|---|---|
| Didier Migaud | Justice [ Garde des Sceaux ] |
| Catherine Vautrin | Partnership with Territories and Decentralization |
| Bruno Retailleau | Interior |
| Anne Genetet | National Education |
| Jean-Noël Barrot | Europe and Foreign Affairs |
| Rachida Dati | Culture |
| Sebastien Lecornu | Armed Forces and Veterans |
| Agnès Pannier-Runacher | Ecological Transition, Energy, Climate , Risk Prevention |
| Antoine Armand | Economy, Finance and Industry |
| Geneviève Darrieussecq | Health and Access to Care |
| Paul Christophe | Solidarity, Autonomy, Gender Equality |
| Valérie Létard | Housing and Urban Renovation |
| Annie Genevard | Agriculture, Food Sovereignty and Forestry |
| Astrid Panosyan – Bouvet | Labor and Employment |
| Gil Averous | Sports, Youth and Civic Engagement |
| Patrick Hetzel | Higher Education and Research |
| Guillaume Kasbarian | Public Service, Simplification and Transformation of Public Action |
🔍 Case Study: Karthik from Chennai
Karthik, an Indian IT engineer living in Lille, lost his residence card and visited the local Préfecture. He was told his issue fell under “interior ministry” but didn’t know whom to contact in the new cabinet. With Bruno Retailleau now handling the Interior Ministry, our volunteers at L’Association Frehindi guided Karthik to the correct online portals, wrote formal French letters, and followed up with local prefectural offices.
Understanding who is in charge can be crucial when you’re stuck in bureaucratic loops.
👥 List of Deputy Ministers
These officials report directly to the ministers but manage key sectors—often overlooked but extremely relevant to expats.
| Deputy Minister | Sector |
|---|---|
| Benjamin Haddad | First minister and minister of Europe and of the business foreigners – charge of Europe Légifrance |
| Nathalie Delattre | First minister – loaded of the relationships with the Parliament Légifrance |
| Maud Bregeon | First minister – spokeperson of Government Légifrance |
| Marie-Claire Carrère-Gée | First minister – loaded of there coordination government Légifrance |
| Françoise Gatel | Partnership with the territories and decentralization loaded of there rurality of trade and of crafts Légifrance |
| François Durovray | Partnership with the territories and decentralization charge of the transport Légifrance |
| Fabrice Loher | Partnership with the territories and decentralization charge of there sea and of there fishing Légifrance |
| Nicolas Daragon | Interior – charge of there security of daily Légifrance |
| Alexandre Portier | Educational national charge of there success school and of teaching prpfessional Légifrance |
| Sophie Primas | Europe and Buisness foreigners – loades of trade outside and of the french of the stranger Légifrance |
| Olga Givernet | Transition ecologicl, Energy, Climate and prevention of the risks loaded of energy Légifrance |
| Marc Ferracci | Economy, Finances and Industry – charge of industry Légifrance |
| Marie-Agnès Poussier-Winsback | Economy, Finances and Industry – loaded of the economy social and united of profit sharing and there paticipation Légifrance |
| Marina Ferrari | Economy, Finances and Industry – loaded of the economy tourism Légifrance |
| Agnès Canayer | Solidatry, Autonomy and Equality – loaded of there small Légifrance |
📌 Case Study: Akash from Lucknow
Akash, a student in Toulouse, wanted to intern in the French tourism sector but struggled with permissions and local certifications. Thanks to Deputy Minister Marina Ferrari, now handling Tourism Economy, we tracked down the latest directives and connected Akash with his regional Chamber of Commerce. He successfully began her internship within 6 weeks—with our team’s guidance and up-to-date cabinet knowledge.
🧑💼 List of Secretaries of State
These individuals manage specialized domains and often spearhead major reforms.
| Secretary | Responsibility |
|---|---|
| Othman Nasrou | Citizenship, Anti-Discrimination |
| Thani Mohamed Soilihi | Francophonie and International Partnerships |
| Laurence Garnier | Consumer Affairs |
| Salima Saa | Gender Equality |
| Clara Chappaz | Artificial Intelligence and Digital Affairs |
📌 Case Study: Rehan from Hyderabad
Rehan applied for French citizenship but faced repeated delays due to unclear documentation and unclear local instructions. Our legal cell at L’Association Frehindi contacted relevant Préfecture offices and highlighted Othman Nasrou’s latest citizenship directives. This allowed Rehan to refile properly—and his application moved forward.
🌐 Why This Matters for Indian Expats in France & the EU
Understanding who does what in the French system:
✅ Helps you avoid bureaucratic traps
✅ Gives you confidence in official communications
✅ Allows targeted help from advocacy groups like ours
✅ Informs you about shifting priorities (e.g., labor reforms, student rules, AI policy)
🤝 How L’Association Frehindi Supports You
At L’Association Frehindi, we understand that settling in a new country comes with its share of questions, roadblocks, and uncertainties. That’s why we offer:
✅ Legal and administrative orientation – From visa issues to citizenship applications
✅ Guidance on residency, education, and employment – Whether you’re a student, job-seeker, or entrepreneur
✅ Access to multilingual volunteers – Who understand your culture, language, and concerns
✅ Timely updates on French and EU policies – So you always stay informed and empowered
Backed by the Indian Embassy in Paris and supported by Indian missions across the EU, we proudly act as a reliable bridge between our vibrant Indian/South Asian diaspora and European institutions.
🌟 Your Journey, Our Mission
At the heart of our mission is you—students, workers, families, and dreamers from the Indian subcontinent making a life in France. Whether you’re facing paperwork delays, education roadblocks, or discrimination—we’re your first line of support.
📢 When in doubt, reach out. Let Frehindi be your compass in France and across the EU.
जय हिन्द 🇮🇳 Vive la France 🇫🇷
मुख्य मार्गदर्शक और संस्थापक : डॉ. हरु मेहरा (Dr Haru MEHRA)
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