Prisca Thevenot, the government spokesperson, paid tribute to Maryse Condé at the National Library of France on April 15, 2024. The departure of several advisers from Prisca Thevenot’s cabinet continued, with three new advisers leaving following a false announcement of a foiled terror plot. In total, seven members of the minister’s team have left in less than a month. The special adviser to Ms. Thevenot, her parliamentary and local elected officials adviser, and her argumentation adviser had their functions terminated, as they submitted their resignations. The departures were linked to the government spokesperson’s communication issues.
Appointed in January, the minister had already lost her speechwriter at the beginning of April due to his affinity for ideas of far-right essayist Alain Soral. Then, in mid-April, her three main advisers – director, deputy director, and chief of staff – resigned at the same time and were immediately replaced by other ministry collaborators. The spokesperson was also involved in a confusion regarding a terrorist threat, initially announcing an “attempted act” over the Easter weekend before having to correct her statements during a council of ministers meeting. Despite the string of resignations, Thévenot remained focused on explaining and advancing the actions initiated by the President of the Republic with a determined team.
Thévenot responded to the resignations by likening the dynamics of cabinet resignations to relationships, where some leave noisily, others silently, and some return quietly. She emphasized her commitment to continuing to explain and promote the actions led by the President, without specifying the reasons behind the departures. The government spokesperson’s handling of communication and staffing changes has drawn scrutiny, especially in light of the handling of the false terror threat announcement. Despite the challenges, Thévenot expressed confidence in her ability to lead with a determined team moving forward.
Overall, the government spokesperson’s team has experienced significant turnover, with key advisers departing in quick succession. The resignations have been linked to communication issues and controversies within the government. Despite the challenges, Thévenot remains focused on explaining and advancing the government’s agenda. The departures have not deterred her determination to continue her work and promote the actions of the President. The resignations have put a spotlight on the workings of the cabinet and the difficulties faced in maintaining a cohesive team in the face of challenges.
The departures from Thévenot’s team have highlighted the complexities and challenges of managing a cabinet in a high-pressure political environment. While some resignations have been linked to personal or ideological reasons, others have been a result of broader communication issues and controversies within the ministry. Thévenot’s response to the resignations reflects her determination to carry on with a committed team. The situation underscores the importance of effective communication and staff management in ensuring the smooth functioning of government operations and promoting the government’s agenda effectively. Despite the challenges, Thévenot remains focused on her role as government spokesperson and advancing the government’s goals.
