Élisabeth Borne, the Minister of National Education, found herself in hot water during a visit to the Kawéni 2 college in Mayotte. What started as a routine inspection of the aftermath of Cyclone Chido quickly turned into a heated debate with two teachers that ended with the minister abruptly walking away, leaving the educators feeling dismissed and ignored.
The Encounter
As part of a ministerial delegation led by François Bayrou, Élisabeth Borne engaged in a conversation with two teachers about the government’s response to the disaster. The teachers highlighted the dire conditions in the local bidonvilles, where residents lacked basic necessities like food, water, and electricity. Despite their impassioned pleas for assistance, Borne’s responses seemed inadequate, leading to a tense exchange that culminated in her walking away without addressing their concerns.
The Fallout
The incident quickly caught the attention of the political spectrum, with members from various parties condemning Borne’s actions. From the Nouveau Front populaire to the Rassemblement national, politicians expressed shock and disappointment at the minister’s behavior. Some described her response as lacking empathy, while others questioned her ability to address the pressing needs of the community.
Reactions and Responses
Ian Brossat, a senator from the PCF, criticized Borne for turning her back on the teachers, likening her actions to that of a “dead fish.” Others, like Olivier Faure from the PS, emphasized the importance of listening to educators who are on the front lines of the crisis. The incident even sparked discussions about potential censure and accountability in the coming months.
In the midst of political turmoil and public scrutiny, the teachers’ voices remain at the forefront, highlighting the urgent need for government intervention in Mayotte’s bidonvilles. As the fallout from this encounter continues to unfold, one thing is clear: the incident has shed light on the challenges faced by vulnerable communities and the responsibilities of those in power to address them with compassion and urgency.
