This sequence, filmed and broadcast on social networks, triggered a wave of criticism, both in the opposition and in his own camp.
An arrest on the ground
During her visit alongside Prime Minister François Bayrou, Élisabeth Borne was approached by two teachers denouncing the lack of humanitarian aid in certain slums in Mayotte, particularly affected by the cyclone.
“For 15 days, no one has come to help in the slums of Petite Terre, Grande Terre, Kawéni, Cavani. You can say what you want on the news, but the reality is there,” said one of the teachers. These highlighted the health difficulties and the lack of food distribution for residents.
The minister responded by affirming that food aid distributions had indeed taken place, but her remarks were immediately contested. “No one saw these distributions,” insisted one of the teachers. As the exchange became more tense, Élisabeth Borne finally replied “OK” before turning on her heel and walking away, provoking an immediate reaction: “It’s a shame,” blurted one of the men.
A gesture that outrages
The video of this exchange quickly circulated on social networks, accumulating hundreds of thousands of views and provoking an avalanche of criticism.
• The Snes-FSUthe main teachers' union, deplored the minister's attitude. “State aid that does not arrive, staff who keep establishments at arm's length… Élisabeth Borne cannot turn her back on this reality! “, denounced the union in a message published on X (formerly Twitter).
• Olivier FaureFirst Secretary of the Socialist Party, condemned a “terrible image”. “A minister cannot turn on her heel by disregarding the testimony of teachers who warn about the health situation,” he declared.
• Ian Brossata communist senator, was even more severe, denouncing “the empathy of a dead fish”.
• Even in the Macronist ranks, Élisabeth Borne's gesture caused unease. “This sequence is a catastrophe”, confided an EPR deputy (ex-Renaissance) to Le Parisien, while a former minister estimated that “it is not possible to do that”.
An insufficient response to a critical situation
The situation in Mayotte is particularly worrying after the passage of Cyclone Chido. Several slums, already weakened by poverty, are in distress, and residents denounce a glaring lack of support from the state. Teachers, faced daily with the consequences of this crisis, find themselves compensating for deficiencies with limited resources, sometimes by financing essential needs themselves.
The lack of clear answers from the minister, combined with her abrupt departure from the discussion, accentuated the feeling of contempt felt by local teachers and residents. For many, this sequence symbolizes a disconnect between political decision-makers and the reality on the ground.
Un gesture with political repercussions?
While the Macron government is already criticized on several fronts, this sequence could reinforce the feeling of disconnection with which it is criticized. The deputy Benjamin Lucas did not fail to point out the minister: “Someone to explain to Élisabeth Borne that 49.3 can only work in the National Assembly, not in the face of teachers in distress? »
The minister, for her part, has not yet reacted publicly to this controversy. But political and media pressure is intensifying, and many are waiting for her to provide explanations. It remains to be seen whether this controversy will leave any after-effects in his ministry or in the already fragile relations between the government and teachers.
