Three members of the cabinet of government spokesperson Prisca Thevenot have resigned just days after a mistake made by the minister regarding a false announcement of a foiled terrorist attack, according to sources in her office. The departures of the director of cabinet, his deputy, and the chief of staff were confirmed, and they will be replaced by Matylda Brzezinska, a former communication advisor at Matignon when Elisabeth Borne was prime minister. The resignations come after a confusing incident on April 3rd, where Thevenot initially announced that a foiled terrorist attack had occurred over the Easter weekend before having to backtrack on her statement less than an hour later.
During a press briefing following a cabinet meeting, Thevenot commented on the resignations, likening them to the ups and downs of personal relationships. She emphasized her commitment to explaining and promoting the actions of the President, stating that she will continue to do so with a determined team. While she did not provide specific reasons for the departures, the shake-up in her cabinet comes at a sensitive time and raises questions about the stability of her team. It is clear that the recent missteps have had repercussions within the government and have led to a reshuffling of key personnel.
The confusion surrounding the false announcement of a foiled terrorist attack during the Easter weekend was not the only issue that has plagued Thevenot’s team in recent days. Prior to this incident, advisor Alexis Bétemps had already resigned after reports surfaced about his sympathies towards far-right ideologue Alain Soral. These successive resignations have undoubtedly added to the challenges faced by Thevenot as she attempts to fulfill her duties as government spokesperson. The need to replace key members of her team further complicates her ability to effectively communicate government policies and initiatives.
In response to the resignations and the subsequent appointment of a new director of cabinet, Thevenot remained focused on her commitment to supporting the President’s agenda. She expressed a determination to continue advocating for the initiatives of the government and promoting its actions. The appointment of a former communication advisor to the Prime Minister indicates a strategic move to bring in experienced personnel to help navigate the challenges faced by Thevenot and her team. The changes in personnel within the cabinet reflect a desire to ensure the smooth operation of the government’s communication strategy.
As the dust settles following the resignations and the subsequent appointments, questions still linger about the incidents that precipitated the departures. The missteps made by Thevenot and her team have raised concerns about the effectiveness of communication within the government and the potential impact on public perception. Moving forward, Thevenot will need to rebuild trust within her team, address any internal issues that may have contributed to the resignations, and refocus on effectively communicating government policies to the public. The recent shake-up serves as a reminder of the challenges faced by government officials in maintaining public trust and credibility in times of uncertainty.
