EDITORIAL. Emmanuel Macron defends ministers’ freedom of expression, after Pap Ndiaye’s statements on CNews

Emmanuel Macron hates hallali. Manhunts, very little for him. His instinct, in this kind of situation, leads him on principle to take advantage of the target. But the battle had become disproportionate: on one side a cornered minister, on the other caricatural ad hominem critics. In the middle, the deafening silence of the government: silent ministers, no doubt for fear of no longer being invited to CNews or of committing a fault in the eyes of the president during a reshuffle. Finally, the only voice that spoke was that of Elisabeth Borne, but to push Pap Ndiaye a little further. There is no doubt that once again taking the opposite view of his Prime Minister also played a role in the president’s exit.

There is certainly in the words of Pap Ndiaye a risk of confusion between the journalists of a group and its owner. All employees do not form a monolithic block. But there are also facts: Eric Zemmour, a long-time columnist at CNews, a sanction from Arcom for having invited a National Rally candidate too much, anti-Muslim remarks pinned down… And it turns out that before becoming minister, Pap Ndiaye was an intellectual, it is by this yardstick that his declaration must be read. He says what he thinks, and he says it with honesty, almost with rigor: yes, in his eyes, CNews is on the far right. In this debate, the problem is above all the issuer: a weakened minister, who, barely appointed, was already suffering the wrath of those he appoints today.

Will presidential support save Pap Ndiaye?

It is unlikely, because the basic problem remains: Pap Ndiaye has failed to embody his ministry or defend his record. The increase in teachers’ salaries, for example, unprecedented for 30 years, is not even put to his credit, when we remember his lack of responsiveness after the suicide of the young Lindsay, or his difficulty in embodying a clear speech. on secularism in schools.

The president recognizes one thing in front of his entourage: Pap Ndiaye has calmed the situation with the teachers. But did he expect much more of him? Emmanuel Macron arrogated the beautiful announcements and relegated the historian to the background of his emblematic trips to school. Today, the president plans to separate from a minister whom he himself helped to make invisible.