The Élysée Palace announced the appointment of two new ministers on September 27, 2023, as part of a small reshuffle in Prime Minister Michel Barnier's government. Charlotte Parmentier-Lecocq has been appointed as the Minister Delegate for People with Disabilities, while Jean-Louis Thiériot takes on the role of Minister Delegate to the Minister of the Armed Forces. This reshuffle comes just days after the initial government announcement and aims to address criticisms regarding the lack of focus on disability issues in the new administration. Michaël Jérémiasz, a former Paralympic athlete, and Philippe Croizon, a quadruple amputee athlete, voiced concerns about the previous absence of a dedicated minister for disabilities, highlighting the urgency of addressing the needs of the 12 million people with disabilities in France.
The new appointments have sparked discussions about the government's commitment to disability rights and veteran affairs. The absence of a dedicated ministry for disability had drawn significant criticism, especially with the upcoming Paralympic Games. The Handicaps collective and APF-France Handicap expressed their dissatisfaction, emphasizing that disability is a leading cause of discrimination in the country. In response to these concerns, government spokesperson Maud Bregeon assured that disability issues would be a priority moving forward. Meanwhile, the newly appointed ministers are expected to participate in a government seminar aimed at preparing for Barnier's upcoming policy speech to the National Assembly.
- The recent reshuffle reflects the government's attempt to rectify previous oversights regarding disability representation. Charlotte Parmentier-Lecocq's appointment is seen as a necessary step to ensure that the needs of individuals with disabilities are adequately addressed, particularly in light of the upcoming Paralympic Games. Jean-Louis Thiériot's appointment to the Ministry of the Armed Forces also highlights the government's focus on veteran affairs, which has been a point of contention among lawmakers and advocacy groups.
- In the broader context, the Barnier government faces scrutiny from the public regarding its overall composition and effectiveness. A recent poll indicated that 59% of French citizens are dissatisfied with the new government, with many believing it does not reflect the outcomes of the legislative elections. The public's trust in the government's ability to address pressing issues such as purchasing power and social inequalities remains low, with many respondents expressing skepticism about the new administration's direction.
