The Minister of National Education was keen to point out that “French school teachers work 30% more per year than their German counterparts”,
Controversial comments. Former President of the Republic Nicolas Sarkozy was accused of contempt for school teachers, who according to him only work “six months a year.”
“I'm told 'there aren't enough civil servants in National Education', but that's incredible demagoguery. The status of school teacher, (…) is 24 hours a week ” and “6 months of the year”, affirmed the former head of state during a conference in Saint-Raphaël, in the Var, held on November 8.
“Conditions sometimes very difficult”
Guest on BFMTV and RMC Tuesday November 12, the Minister of National Education Anne Genetet distanced himself from the comments made by the former President of the Republic. “I don’t agree, I don’t understand these comments, it surprises me,” she said.
“I am on the ground as minister, I have met committed, dedicated teachers, passionate about their profession and frankly who have a very difficult job. This commitment must be saluted and I want to give them my support. I am always alongside them,” she added.
Speaking to AFP, Anne Genetet has already reacted to Nicolas Sarkozy's comments, believing that teachers “work a lot” in France.
“We cannot say that our teachers work little. They work a lot in sometimes very difficult conditions”, however noted the minister, referring to “teachers who are motivated, passionate, committed to the success of their students”.
“French school teachers work 30% more in the year than their German counterparts,” she also reminded AFP, believing that “we must support our teachers, our management staff. support must not be lacking.”
“Insult”
Nicolas Sarkozy's exit provoked the ire of part of the French political class, including the First Secretary of the Socialist Party, Olivier Faure, who denounced a “contempt for school teachers” by being surprised that the former head of state can “dare to say that there are too many teachers when our children are often far too many in class”.
“Unbearable”, for its part was indignant, the first primary union FSU-SNuipp. Nicolas Sarkozy “insults the educational community” and through them “the students and parents of students whom he despises”, said his spokesperson Guislaine David.
