Europe 1 with AFP 6:02 p.m., June 4, 2022

The former Minister of National Education, Jean-Michel Blanquer, was sprinkled with whipped cream on Saturday in Montargis in the Loiret.

Now a candidate for the legislative elections in the fourth district of this department, he would have been targeted by two teachers who were placed in police custody. 

Two teachers suspected of having sprayed whipped cream on Saturday in Montargis (Loiret), Jean-Michel Blanquer, legislative candidate in the fourth district, were placed in police custody, announced the city prosecutor's office.

In a video posted on social networks, we see two men approach the former Minister of National Education in a street in Montargis, and spray him in the face with a white foam.

Jean-Michel Blanquer was campaigning in a market when the facts occurred around 11:30 a.m.

He immediately filed a complaint.

The public prosecutor of Montargis, Loïc Abrial, indicated in a press release that a flagrant investigation had been opened for "aggravated voluntary violence".

“The former Minister of National Education was sprayed with whipped cream and insulted by two men, aged 51 and 57. The victim was not injured. teaching profession in the secondary", specified the prosecutor.

Elisabeth Borne reacted on twitter

“Arrested at the scene, they were immediately placed in police custody for intentional violence in a meeting. They are currently being heard by investigators from the Montargis police station,” said Loïc Abrial.

The two teachers are unknown to justice. 

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“An election campaign is a moment of democratic happiness through exchange,” tweeted the former minister.

"Things are going well here in Montargis meeting the citizens. I have just been attacked by two individuals who want to break this. Let's not accept it".

Jean-Michel Blanquer received the support of Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne who tweeted: "The debate, the confrontation of ideas are always riches. Physical or symbolic violence has no place in our democracy". 

Full support for @jmblanquer.

The debate, the confrontation of ideas are always riches.

Physical or symbolic violence has no place in our democracy.

https://t.co/9hBSb1jKxM

— Elisabeth BORNE (@Elisabeth_Borne) June 4, 2022

His successor at the Ministry of National Education, Pap Ndiaye, also tweeted: "Democratic life can only exist in a debate of ideas that respects the men and women who are committed".