Manuel Valls, former Prime Minister of France, has made his unexpected return to government, appointed as the Minister of Overseas Territories on December 23, 2024, by the new Prime Minister François Bayrou. This appointment came on the same day as France mourned the victims of the recent cyclone Chido, which struck Mayotte, leaving devastation and at least 35 confirmed dead, according to reports.
Valls, 62, steps back onto the political stage with significant experience; he is the eighth person to hold the Overseas Territories ministerial position since Emmanuel Macron became president. Critics have noted the indelicate timing of the announcement, with Estelle Youssouffa, the deputy from Mayotte, expressing frustration on France Inter, stating, "I find this so dismissive, grave, and mediocre, we have no more words." Her remarks reflect the sentiments of many who see Valls' return as opportunistic.
This new administration, under Bayrou, is widely viewed as facing urgent tasks. Valls will need to prioritize the reconstruction of Mayotte, which requires immediate attention after the cyclone's destruction. There's talk of introducing special legislation aimed at speeding recovery efforts, similar to actions taken after the Notre-Dame fire, to allow more flexible urban planning and contracting procedures.
Valls isn’t new to the responsibilities of governmental crises; he previously served as Minister of the Interior and held the Prime Minister position from March 2014 until December 2016. His time as Prime Minister was marked by controversial reforms, including the contentious labor law proposals. His political evolution also saw him distancing himself from the Socialist Party following the election of Emmanuel Macron.
Since exiting the Prime Minister’s office, Valls has attempted to maintain relevance within French politics but faced several challenges. He was eliminated from the first round of the legislative elections in 2022 and made an unsuccessful bid for the mayoralty of Barcelona, where he had been elected as a municipal counselor. His return as minister now places him back at the forefront of national issue discussions.
One pressing concern lies within New Caledonia, where Valls has previously argued against independence efforts. The territory has been experiencing social unrest since May 2024, resulting from protests and violence, creating complex challenges for political stability. Valls is tasked with fostering dialogue between pro-independence groups and anti-independence factions, especially with local elections approaching and amendments needed to the electoral body under the French Constitution.
This government reshuffle accompanies broader observations about political positioning and public perception. Concerns linger about whether François Bayrou's government can withstand scrutiny and whether Valls’ experience will be sufficient to navigate the turbulent political waters. The first Council of Ministers meeting is slated for January 3, 2025, where pressing agendas are likely to emerge.
Valls’ nomination and the responses it triggered encapsulate the myriad challenges the new government will face. Balancing urgent social crises with the need for effective governance, especially amid national mourning, sets the stage for what many will be watching closely as these political narratives develop.
