Borne welcomed at the Elysée: Bayrou calls for a “need for change” in French

Elisabeth Borne received at the Elysée: François Bayrou thinks that “change is necessary”.

The Minister of Labor Elisabeth Borne was received at the Élysée last week, prompting comments from François Bayrou, the president of the Democratic Movement. Bayrou declared that a “ change is necessary” after Elisabeth Borne’s meeting with President Emmanuel Macron.

A summit meeting

Borne's meeting with Macron underlined the importance of his position within the government. As Minister of Labor, Borne plays a key role in managing unemployment and employment across the country, particularly during the Covid-19 crisis where the unemployment rate has increased.

Call for change

In a press statement, François Bayrou explicitly called for change. However, it is the nature of this change that remains vague. The need for “change is necessary” was not specified, leaving room for many interpretations on what exactly Bayrou thinks should change.

Shared reactions

The declarations of Bayrou provoked mixed reactions. Some fear he will call for a cabinet reshuffle that could disrupt key measures, while others hope the change means a new approach to dealing with unemployment.

Verdict: Is change necessary?

As Bayrou suggests, a change may well be necessary. But for any change to be effective, it must be well thought out, well prepared and well executed.