Jean-Michel Blanquer announced the health protocol for the start of the school year… from Ibiza

Revelations that triggered a torrent of criticism. This Monday, the Mediapart investigation site revealed that Jean-Michel Blanquer was… in Ibiza when he announced the new health measures against the spread of the Omicron variant on January 2. In addition to the timing – a few hours before the start of the school year – this choice of the minister to go through an interview (first paid for) in the newspaper The Parisian had already made waves. However, explains the journalist from Médiapart Antton Rouget on LCI “iThere was no official communication because Jean-Michel Blanquer only returned the day before the start of the school year” of the Balearics.

These new revelations should therefore not help the situation of the resident of the rue de Grenelle, who is said to have been isolated within the government in recent weeks. “Jean-Michel Blanquer has respected the rules: to be less than two hours from Paris, in Europe and reachable”, however, defends the executive, joined by LCI. “Just because he wasn’t there doesn’t mean he wasn’t at work, he wasn’t connected and away from what was going on”, also indicates his entourage in the columns of Médiapart.

The minister, already more in the odor of sanctity with many teachers and representatives of National Education, was severely attacked by the opposition. On the left, the Insoumis demand his resignation. “With this government, even the health protocol has been relocated! Blanquer “at the same time” under the Ibizan sun… and at his office. What talent!”, mocks Clémentine Autain (LFI) on Twitter. Among the socialists, Olivier Faure castigates a “improvisation” born of a lie. “Trust is no longer possible”, he says.

Same story with environmentalists. “Instead of preparing with teachers and parents of students for a return to school under Covid, the minister organized a media stunt with his feet in the sand. This level of contempt and irresponsibility is not acceptable”, is moved Yannick Jadot, candidate for the presidential election. “Decency would demand that you leave yourself and now”, challenges the deputy Aurélien Taché, evoking a behavior “really outrageous”.

Supporter of Valérie Pécresse, who had recommended a postponement of the start of the school year, Pierre-Henri Dumont ironically: “If Jean-Michel Blanquer had followed our advice, he could have stayed another week in Ibiza…”

Leader of the protest movements against health restrictions, Florian Philippot also did not miss the opportunity to scratch the government. “The macronists are putting the French people through hell, especially children at school, and we learn this evening that the Minister of National Education Jean-Michel Blanquer, he is managing all this from Ibiza?!”, takes offense at the far-right elected official. “Immediate resignation!”, he claims on social networks.