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How long must I keep important documents in France?
Tax notices, family records, healthcare….what should you keep and for how long?
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Can I ask for branded medicine instead of generic at a French pharmacy?
Non-brand drugs are generally cheaper but contain similar ingredients
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Do I need the devis to contest French builder’s bad job?
An estimate is a legal contract between you and the person doing the work
How many kinds of French minister are there?
A secrétaire d’état is considered a minister, but subordinate to a more senior minister in charge of a large ministry
Reader question: Who is considered a minister? Does a secrétaire d’état qualify?
Yes, a secrétaire d’état is considered a minister, but subordinate to a more senior minister in charge of a large ministry.
For example, Clément 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.
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It is not to be confused with the UK’s secretary of state, who is a senior cabinet minister in charge of a major ministry.
There is also ministre délégué, 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’état 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.
