On December 23, 2024, the French government announced the postponement of the presentation of Prime Minister François Bayrou's cabinet due to a national day of mourning declared for the victims of Cyclone Chido, which struck the island of Mayotte on December 14. The cyclone's aftermath has left at least 35 dead and over 2,500 injured, making the need for solidarity and respect during this time acute.
Initially scheduled for the same day, the announcement was deemed inappropriate, particularly as the country was to observe a minute of silence at 11:00 AM. President Emmanuel Macron, alongside officials from his administration, would participate in the moment of reflection for those affected by the natural disaster.
Criticism of the timing has surfaced even among members of Bayrou's political bloc. Karl Olive, a deputy with Ensemble Pour la République from Yvelines, expressed his concerns sharply during interviews. "I do not see how a national day of mourning could be translated by a day of government casting," he stated, indicating his disbelief at the potential overlap between the solemnity of the day and the acting out of political maneuvers.
Further fortifying this line of criticism was Estelle Youssouffa, the deputy from Mayotte, who took to social media to voice her displeasure. She articulated, "The #NationalMourning for #Mayotte transformed... I cannot believe this scenario of #Indecency and #Contempt for the Mahoran(s) still in absolute distress." Such comments highlight the heightened sensitivities surrounding the government’s handling of the situation.
Saïd Omar Oili, senator from Mayotte, echoed this sentiment of outrage, questioning what would resonate more from the day’s events: the government formation or the serious tragedy endured. "What are we going to retain from this day? Will we retain the drama just happened at Mayotte or the government nomination?" he asked with evident exasperation. His remarks reflect the broader balance being sought between governance and empathy during crises.
Meanwhile, the Élysée has communicated to the public the reasons behind the postponement. It pointed out logistical hurdles affecting the nominations for key positions such as Economy and Foreign Affairs Ministers had compounded the decision-making process. Prior checks must be conducted on potential candidates, contributing to the delays experienced.
Despite the setbacks, Bayrou expressed his goal to finalize the government by Christmas. This intent puts additional pressure on his administration, especially as some political pundits argue there is little time left before holiday breaks render legislative actions almost impossible until the new year. Jean-Philippe Tanguy, another MP, decried the lengthy process, stating, "The duration of this casting relative to the emergencies of the country is unbearable. Emmanuel Macron loves to waste time, which is unacceptable with pressing national issues at hand."
The unfortunate concurrence of mourning and political activities has drawn both local and national attention, emphasizing the responsibility of government officials to act with the utmost sensitivity during times of national grief. Observers now look to see how the current parliamentary tensions will influence not only the government's formation but also the broader public perception of the Macron administration's responsiveness to its citizens' struggles.
Despite the challenges mentioned, the expectations remain for Bayrou to reveal his cabinet. All eyes will be on the backdrop of unrelenting support and respect for those affected by the cyclone. Given the mounting pressure, announced criteria for ministerial positions steadily circulate, with names like Bruno Retailleau as Interior Minister and Gérald Darmanin vying for foreign affairs, showcasing the political maneuvering still expected within the backdrop of this national tragedy.
