François Bayrou Defends His Presence in Pau Amid Mayotte Crisis
François Bayrou, the newly appointed Prime Minister of France, faced criticism for his decision to chair a municipal council meeting in Pau rather than traveling to Mayotte, which is currently grappling with the aftermath of cyclone Chido. During a session at the National Assembly, Bayrou defended his actions, stating, "Citizenship is not divided, and I have exercised my responsibility as a citizen." He emphasized that he participated in a crisis meeting regarding Mayotte via videoconference while fulfilling his local duties in Pau.
The cyclone has caused extensive damage in Mayotte, with reports indicating a death toll of at least 21 people and over 1,300 injuries. Despite the gravity of the situation, Bayrou's absence from the archipelago was met with backlash from opposition members, including Mathilde Panot, who argued that he should have prioritized the crisis meeting at the Élysée Palace over local governance. Bayrou countered that his role as mayor of Pau was equally significant, stating, "If I had gone to the 7th arrondissement or to Neuilly, you would have found it very good."
Political Reactions and Implications
The controversy surrounding Bayrou's decision reflects a broader tension between local and national responsibilities in times of crisis. Opposition elected official Tunday Cilgi criticized Bayrou's choice, labeling it a political mistake and urging him to travel to Mayotte, even symbolically. In response, Bayrou reiterated his commitment to the crisis, noting that he was in constant communication with the Minister of the Interior, who was physically present in Mayotte during the cyclone's aftermath.
As the situation in Mayotte continues to evolve, with the human toll still being assessed, the French government faces scrutiny over its response to natural disasters and the effectiveness of its leadership during such critical times. Bayrou's defense of his actions highlights the complexities of balancing local governance with national crisis management.
