François Bayrou criticized for his handling of priorities amid the crisis in Mayotte

As Mayotte faces a major disaster following Cyclone Chido, which has caused at least 20 deaths according to a provisional toll, François Bayrou has chosen to attend a crisis meeting organized by Emmanuel Macron on Monday, December 16, via videoconference. At 6 p.m., the new Prime Minister will participate remotely from the Pyrénées-Atlantiques prefecture to be able to honor, an hour later, his commitment to the municipal council of Pau, the city where he still serves as mayor.

A decision sparking outrage

François Bayrou’s team explained to franceinfo that his presence at the Pau municipal council was a “long-standing commitment made as mayor.” However, this decision immediately triggered a wave of criticism, especially from the opposition.

Clémence Guetté, vice-president of the LFI group at the National Assembly, denounced on social media a Prime Minister “illegitimate and part-time.” Meanwhile, socialist Arthur Delaporte condemned what he called “unworthy and disrespectful” behavior, emphasizing that the tragedy in Mayotte and the urgent formation of a government should be absolute priorities.

LR deputy Thibault Bazin also reproached François Bayrou for prioritizing his local responsibilities: “The municipal council of Pau could do without your presence tonight, given the situation in Mayotte and the urgency of providing France with a budget and an operational government.”

Tensions even within government ranks

Criticism isn’t limited to the opposition. Within government circles, some have expressed surprise at the behavior of the new Prime Minister. A ministerial advisor described the decision as “mind-boggling,” especially given the tense context. The nomination of Nicolas Pernot, a close ally of François Bayrou, to the key role of chief of staff has also drawn criticism. This senior official, formerly in charge of services for the city of Pau, is deemed unfamiliar with the workings of central administrations, raising serious concerns.

These controversies add to an already strained situation for François Bayrou, marked by his abrupt departure from a press briefing on Saturday where Bruno Retailleau, the resigning Minister of the Interior, was about to speak.

As Cyclone Chido continues to devastate Mayotte and the needs of the victims remain immense, the new Prime Minister’s handling of priorities raises questions, fueling a climate of mistrust around his early tenure.