Rachida Dati, a former French minister of Culture, has asked to be reintegrated into the judiciary, even though she is set to stand trial for corruption starting on September 16. The trial, which is expected to last until September 28, could potentially disqualify her from holding public office if she is found guilty. Dati’s request has sparked debate about her political future, as some have questioned the timing of her application, especially with a major legal case looming. Dati’s move to return to the judiciary is administratively possible, and her close allies say it does not mean she is stepping away from politics. She continues to be involved in local governance, serving as a member of the Paris municipal council and leading the Paris Liberté group, which brings together right-wing and Renaissance political factions. She is also expected to take on a central administrative role at the Ministry of Justice, a position that does not conflict with her political activities. Dati’s political path has had its share of challenges. She faced a major setback in the Paris municipal elections and left the government earlier this year. Despite these difficulties, she remains active in local politics and has been seen reconnecting with her constituents after a period of reduced public visibility. While she is not as prominent in the Paris City Council as she was under former mayor Bertrand Delanoë, she is still seen as a key figure in shaping her party's strategies and leading the right-wing bloc. Dati’s future in national politics, particularly in the upcoming presidential race, will largely depend on the outcome of her trial. The Council of the Judiciary, which will assess her reintegration request, will not consider her eligibility for any political candidacy until after the trial concludes. Her associates stress that she remains committed to her political role and is preparing for a potential return to public debate, even as her legal situation continues to limit her current activities.