"Whatever the circumstances, I have a priority, it is you, the young people," said the head of government, smiling, surrounded by dozens of young people, college students, high school students, apprentices, students, at the opening of this debate of about two hours on the theme of equal opportunities.
She was accompanied by several ministers including Pap Ndiaye (National Education), Olivier Klein (City and Housing), Jean-Christophe Combe (Solidarity), Isabelle Rome (Gender Equality) and Charlotte Caubel (Childhood).
Questioned on the difficulties of orientation of students, bullying, prejudice, mobility in rural areas or child welfare, Ms. Borne evoked exchanges and testimonies "very stimulating, very inspiring", and promised to "take up the challenge".
"I noted that confidence is also to demonstrate that we take your proposals, that we make measures and that we follow the realization," she assured in her concluding speech, citing the driver's license at 17, the accompaniment of the exit of child welfare at his majority, the renovation of the student housing of the Crous and other tracks mentioned by the participants.
Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne speaks during a national council of the refoundation (CNR) dedicated to youth, in Matignon, on March 18, 2023 in Paris © Raphael Lafargue / POOL / AFP
"I am convinced that more than ever, restoring confidence in our democracy is a priority, beyond the subjects we are talking about today," she added, in an allusion to criticism from the opposition and unions who accuse her of having passed in force by using article 49.3 of the Constitution to adopt without a vote the text raising the legal retirement age from 62 to 64.
Two motions of censure are due to be considered by MPs on Monday afternoon. Borne's entourage said Saturday that she would be "at work" Sunday, without any public event planned.
After ecology, daily life and the professional future, this was the fourth thematic meeting around the Prime Minister before engagement and citizenship, next month. This series of debates is expected to lead to announcements in the spring, as part of an inter-ministerial roadmap on youth.
© 2023 AFP