See also: France: Algerian 'wrong type' to head anti-discrimination body
A woman member of President Nicolas Sarkozy's UMP of Algerian origin has been appointed the new chief of France’s official anti-discrimination body. Sarkozy nominated Jeannette Bougrab head of the High Authority for the Fight Against Discrimination and for Equality (Halde) on Tuesday, ending a controversy about the candidates, during which a leading UMP member was accused of racism.Bougrab takes over from Socialist Louis Schweitzer. Her appointment was welcomed by SOS racisme and French immigrant groups.
Bougrab is a 36-year-old lawyer who was a member of the Socialist-led SOS Racism before she joined the UMP. She became a member of the National Integration Council (HCI) in 2002.
Born in central France to Algerian parents, who supported the French presence in Algeria during the war, Bougrab has described herself as a committed member of the UMP with roots in social Gaullism.
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Her nomination puts an end to a controversy about Schweitzer’s succession as head of the Halde.
Two weeks ago UMP Senate whip Gérard Longuet, who is one of Sarkozy’s closest allies, was accused of racism when he opposed the nomination of Socialist candidate Malek Boutih because he does not come from a “traditional French” background.
SOS racisme reacted to Bougrab’s nomination by saying that "Longuet has not gained this victory", adding, "Mrs Bougrab is an experienced woman of remarkable competence.”
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Source: RFI (English)
