The controversy began after Eric Raoult, a lawmaker and member of Sarkozy's ruling UMP party, wrote to the culture minister last week recommending that NDiaye be reminded of the "duty of restraint" that comes with the Goncourt. 
Sakata hilo lilianza baada ya Eric Raoult, mtungasheria na mwanachama wa chama tawala cha Sarkozy, UMP, aliandika barua kwa waziri wa utamaduni wiki iliyopita akishauri kuwa N’Diaye akumbushwe “wajibu wa kujiheshimu” ambao unaambatana na tuzo ya Goncourt.