Begag, 48, has already gained the reputation of being a fighter for equality and a struggler against all sorts of discrimination.

By Hadi Yahmid, IOL Correspondent 

PARIS, June 4, 2005 (IslamOnline.net) – French Muslims and Arabs are pinning high hopes on the appointment of a Muslim of Algerian origin as junior minister in charge of equal opportunity under the new cabinet of Prime Minister Dominique de Villepin.

Azouz Begag, 48, has already gained the reputation of being a fighter for equality and a struggler against all sorts of discrimination.

Born in the east-central city of Lyon to a seven-member Algerian family, self-made Begag has led an austere life like many immigrant families, spending his childhood in one of the impoverished areas in Lyon, an experience that made him grow passionate for the marginalized and the discriminated against.

A unique sense of determination and enthusiasm has helped him move up the academic ladder from a school teacher until he obtained a doctorate in sociology and immigrant affairs.

He wrote up to 20 novels centering on the hardships facing immigrants and minorities in France, including My Sons and Paradise, which tackles the new identity of French Muslims and Arabs and their struggle against discrimination.

Limelight

He was catapulted into the limelight after a televised debate with President Jacques Chirac in 1995 following the death of a Muslim terror suspect.

Begag drew Chirac’s attention to the appalling conditions of immigrants and how experts often speak from an ivory tower about immigrants' problems.

In 1998, an outspoken Begag hit out at the leftists for failing to practice what they preach when their electoral slate came almost void of politicians of immigrant origin.

Last year, then interior minister de Villepin singled him out to write a report on the living conditions in France’s impoverished areas and the problems facing immigrants thanks to his distinguished research work and creative ideas.

In his report, titled “The Republic Under an Open Sky,” Begag suggested setting up a special police unit to combat discrimination.

He said French social woes will be laid to rest if the government moves to address their root causes, which are manifested in the festering problems of the poor and marginalized areas.

Begag further proposed entitling French citizens of immigrant roots to assume police posts under a quota system.

De Villepin has further decorated him with the French Legion of Honor in July for his earnest social work.

Begag joined the political firmament Thursday, June 2, when he assumed the ministerial post, becoming the second junior minister of Arab origin.

Hamlaoui Mekachera has kept his post as junior minister in charge of veterans affairs in the new line-up.

Begag's appointment is a source of pride to French Muslims.

“The move proves that France is never miserly toward her sincere and faithful citizens irrespective of their religion,” said Paris Mosque Rector Dalil Boubakeur.