They propose replacing 'Najat' with 'Nadège': she'll become a minister in France
Najat Vallaud-Belkacem was offered to change her first name to a French one. She refused and prefers to keep Najat. The change is optional and falls under a French administrative procedure when acquiring nationality, as the article explains.
Najat Vallaud-Belkacem and the name 'Nadège': she said no
Najat or Nadège? Najat Vallaud-Belkacem was offered the chance to change her first name to a French one. She refused. She would rather keep Najat.
The argument put forward came down to one idea: some people feel their path is easier with a Frenchified first name. It was not an obligation. Frenchification falls under a French administrative procedure. When acquiring nationality, anyone may ask to replace their first name with a French one. It is an option, and it remains optional.
Her story begins in the Rif, where she was born. She arrived in France at the age of five with her family. When she received the document officially granting her nationality, no ceremony marked the moment. An administrative paper, with no particular solemnity.
Later, in her political career, her Moroccan origins drew attacks and suspicions of 'dual allegiance'. The first name she kept, Najat, is thus part of a path in which her origins were repeatedly raised by her critics.
Related articles
Related practical guides
Are you an MRE?
Join the platform and reach verified professionals in Morocco. Free.
Have a project in Morocco?
Find a LesMRE-verified expert to guide you through your steps.
Find an expert →