Amid rumors, the Journal du Dimanche understands that the French will be informed “before the weekend” of a possible reshuffle.
Since the psychodrama generated by the immigration law before Christmas, rumors concerning a reshuffle have been rife. While some predict an imminent departure of the Prime Minister, Élisabeth Borne, others are convinced by the rumor of her continuation which has returned in recent hours. Temporality also questions. Emmanuel Macron has promised “new momentum” for this 2024 school year. But while the future of the Minister of Labor, Olivier Dussopt, is suspended on the decision of the court, in particular, when can the possible reshuffle take place ?
In the columns of the Sunday Journal, we claimed on Wednesday evening that we had the beginnings of an answer. A “very well informed” source, we are told, confirms with a simple “yes” the imminence of an announcement, specifying that it will take place “before the weekend”. In other words, the executive should, according to the JDD, communicate on the question of the reshuffle on Thursday or Friday. The weekly also points out the fact that on the presidency’s website, nothing has been listed on the agenda since January 2, until the national tribute to Jacques Delors scheduled for Friday morning.
The JDD dropped a little bombshell, but most political journalists don’t have this information about the timing at all. “The article having set a number of journalists’ and members of the government’s phones vibrating, the Prime Minister’s supporters worked hard in the evening to reassure based on the echoes of the day’s lunch between the two leaders”, wrote this Thursday morning the very well informed Politico.
In any case, the Sunday Journal does not seem able to specify whether Élisabeth Borne is about to resign or be retained. Both options remain on the table. What about the other ministers? Those “who threatened to resign at the time of the adoption of the immigration law are sure to jump,” a person close to the executive told the newspaper. The restricted circle of the Macronie, on the other hand, would judge the Keeper of the Seals, Éric Dupond-Moretti, “untouchable, very loyal, very solid”. As for the Bruno Le Maire option at Matignon, which caused a lot of ink to flow in December, it today seems to have been put aside, just like those concerning Gabriel Attal or even Sébastien Lecornu.
This reshuffle which is being prepared could therefore, according to the latest rumors, be nothing more than a big adjustment, with perimeters and ministers reinforced with new missions and Elisabeth Borne renewed. Or look like a big upheaval, with a completely renewed team. “According to one of those who have spoken with the Head of State in recent days, he would consult both with a view to his “meeting with the nation” announced for the month of January… and on a reshuffle,” Politico wrote this morning. Enough to understand that the reflections at the Elysée are far from over.
