Fleur Pellerin becomes France’s first South Korean-born ministerMay 18, 2012 - 17:26 AMT PanARMENIAN.Net - Newly elected French President Francois Hollande has named 38-year-old technocrat Fleur Pellerin as France's first South Korean-born minister, in charge of small and medium-sized businesses and the digital economy, RFI reports. Pellerin was born in Seoul and adopted by French parents at the age of six months. She had a brilliant academic career attending the highly selective Ecole Nationale d'Administration (ENA) which was also attended by Hollande and much of France's political class. Pellerin, who says she does not see herself as Asian, was raised in a family "with left-wing values" and only joined the Socialist Party in 2006, before becoming Hollande's advisor on the digital economy. She says that she declined an offer to stand for a safe seat in next month's parliamentary elections. In France, ministers are not required to hold elected office. Previously little known in France, Pellerin was the subject of considerable interest among the Asian media during the presidential election campaign. She has said that in Korea "there is a kind of collective guilt about having sent away children for adoption during the 1970s. Now, they're trying to renew their links and to see what these children have become." She is married to Laurent Olleon, who also attended the ENA and now works at France's State Council, which provides legal advice to the government. Top stories Authorities said a total of 192 Azerbaijani troops were killed and 511 were wounded during Azerbaijan’s offensive. In 2023, the Azerbaijani government will increase the country’s defense budget by more than 1.1 billion manats ($650 million). The bill, published on Monday, is designed to "eliminate the shortcomings of an unreasonably broad interpretation of the key concept of "compatriot". The earthquake caused a temporary blackout, damaged many buildings and closed a number of rural roads. Partner news | Scholz hopes Armenia-Azerbaijan peace treaty will be signed this year German Chancellor Olaf Scholz hopes that a peace treaty between Armenia and Azerbaijan will be signed this year. Ucom equips four bus stops in Ijevan with free Wi-Fi Ucom now provides free Wi-Fi coverage in smart bus stops in four communities of Ijevan. Armenia, Russia discuss life extension of Metsamor nuclear plant Issues regarding the extension of life of the 2nd power unit of the Armenian Nuclear Power Plant were discussed in Yerevan. Armenians stage more campaigns against territorial concessions to Azerbaijan Protesters blocked more roads across Armenia on Friday, April 26 in continuing attempts to scuttle territorial concessions to Azerbaijan. |