The political instability of the moment was reflected in the speeches of resigning and incoming ministers on Tuesday, December 24. The day after the announcement of the 35 members making up François Bayrou's government, several transfer of power ceremonies took place in the morning, an opportunity for several of them to highlight the particular political context, particularly after the censorship of the Barnier government at the beginning of December after the use of article 49.3 on the Social Security budget.
“I will not pretend this morning that I had planned for a long time to find myself before you”,notably slipped the former Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne, now Minister of State responsible for of National Education, Higher Education and Research. “Our democracy is fragile and must be defended. Asked by François Bayrou about one of the major challenges of our future, I decided to respond positively”, she continued, admitting not to be “a subject specialist” entrusted to him.
Government of François Bayrou: “Our democracy is fragile and must be defended”, declares the new Minister of Education Elisabeth Borne
Some kept a sense of humor. The outgoing Minister of Health, Genevière Darrieussecq, had light-hearted fun with the political situation. “Three months ago almost to the day, during my inauguration speech, I told you that I wouldn't perform a miracle (…) Well, you see, I kept my word”,smiled the elected representative of Landes.
Government of François Bayrou: “I told you that I would not perform a miracle (…) I kept my word”, smiles the outgoing Minister of Health Genevière Darrieussecq
Government of François Bayrou: “I told you that I would not perform a miracle (…) I kept my word”, smiles the outgoing Minister of Health Genevière Darrieussecq
“A reshuffle is always a heartbreak”, continued Catherine Vautrin, appointed Monday Minister of Labor, Health, Solidarity and Families. During her speech, she addressed Aurore Bergé, once again appointed Minister Delegate to the Prime Minister, in charge of Equality between women and men and the Fight against discrimination. “We are used to handovers, Aurore, we come in and we go out”, joked Catherine Vautrin.
Government of François Bayrou: “We are regulars at Aurore examinations, we enter, we exit”, says Catherine Vautrin to Aurore Bergé
Government of François Bayrou: “We are regulars at Aurore examinations, we enter, we exit”, says Catherine Vautrin to Aurore Bergé
During the transfer of power to the Ministry of Justice, the outgoing Minister of Justice, Didier Migaud, expressed his “regret” to leave so quickly after his appointment. “I loved this ministry and I leave it with regret (…) I loved defending the judicial institution to our fellow citizens,” he declared, referring to “l’one of the shortest and happiest periods of my professional life.” Former President of the Court of Auditors wished his successor, Gérald Darmanin, to keep the seals of the Republic “as long as possible”. “Longer than me, anyway.”
Government of François Bayrou: “I loved this ministry and I leave it with regret”, declares the outgoing Minister of Justice Didier Migaud
New Minister of Overseas, Manuel Valls in turn spoke of a political situation “unstable, difficult and perilous” In France. “All the more reason to have accepted this great mission that the head of government offered me a few days ago,” he added. The former Prime Minister also had for his predecessor, François-Noël Buffet: “You talk about time, I can see the frustration, Mr. Minister.” The person concerned, however, remains in the government, since he will support the Minister of the Interior.
