The new Minister of Public Service, Simplification, and Transformation of Public Action, Guillaume Kasbarian, raised concerns among unions just two days after taking office. In his first speech during the handover ceremony with his predecessor, Stanislas Guerini, Kasbarian used language that was not well-received by the unions. The addition of the term “simplification” to the title of the portfolio had already raised alarms among the organizations representing public service employees. Kasbarian emphasized the importance of simplification and transformation in his role, stating that he wants taxpayers and users to be satisfied with public services and that bureaucracy needs to be reduced to alleviate the burden of administrative procedures.
However, unions believe that Kasbarian’s initial approach demonstrates a lack of understanding of the sector. While the minister expressed his desire to work alongside all civil servants to build a modern public service, union representatives have voiced concerns about his focus on simplification and transformation prioritizing users over employees. The Secretary General of CFDT-Public Services, Mylène Jacquot, emphasized the importance of constructing simplification measures thoughtfully and ensuring they benefit employees. UNSA-Public Functions’ Luc Farré also emphasized the need for the minister to prioritize the protection and recognition of public service professionals.
Union leaders are wary of Kasbarian’s speech, as they feel he is approaching the issue of simplification from a perspective that prioritizes users over employees. Fédération générale des fonctionnaires-FO’s Secretary General, Christian Grolier, expressed concerns about Kasbarian’s focus on simplification and getting staff back into the field, stating that humility is essential in approaching a sector with which one is not familiar. CGT Public Service Secretary General Natacha Pommet, who has been in the sector for twenty-five years, points out the need for humility and understanding of the challenges faced by public service employees.
Unions are set to meet with the ministry on September 30th and October 1st to discuss their concerns and expectations. The Minister’s focus on simplification and transformation and his emphasis on the satisfaction of users has raised alarm among union representatives, who are calling for a more balanced approach that prioritizes the well-being and interests of public service employees. It remains to be seen how Minister Kasbarian will address these concerns and work towards building a modern public service that serves both users and employees effectively.
