It had been in the works for some time. As we wrote on Tuesday, two ministers are leaving the government this Saturday, as the Elysée announced in a press release. The Minister of Territorial Cohesion and Relations with Local Authorities, Jacqueline Gourault, appointed to the Constitutional Council, is replaced by Joel Giraud. The minister must take up her new duties on March 14, the Secretary of State for Rurality, Joël Giraud, therefore takes over.
Also from the MoDem, Nathalie Elimas, Secretary of State for Priority Education, also leaves office following accusations of “harassment and abuse” within her cabinet. After a preliminary report a few weeks ago, a new, more detailed report on this affair was submitted to Matignon a few days ago.
It’s “very hard, very violent”
The Prime Minister had spoken with the Secretary of State to “ask her for an explanation” and Nathalie Elimas had then “refused the option” of leaving the government. Several sources had also indicated that Nathalie Elimas was accused of acts of “harassment”, even of “abuse”, on collaborators. Half a dozen people are said to be victims, according to two people who have worked since July 2020 in the office of this human resources specialist.
The Secretary of State had denounced a “attack of great violence, in a personal capacity”. It’s “very hard, very violent, the violence is unheard of for my children, but basically I’m calm,” she said in mid-February on Radio J. “What’s happening today is extremely malicious leaks, probably to destabilize me. Defamation is characterized “, she then assured.
Aged 48, Nathalie Elimas entered the government in July 2020 following being elected in 2017 as a MoDem deputy (presidential majority) for Val-d’Oise.
