By force, she seemed indestructible. Unstoppable, even. But the ax fell. And the Schiappa era is over. The exit of the macronist of the first hour was recorded Thursday according to information from AFP, relating the few “adjustments” decided by Elisabeth Borne. The Prime Minister is ending six years of almost continuous presence in government. And sounds the end of a style, made of buzz and media stunts, which ended up running out of steam.
The outcome seemed inevitable. Since March, Marlène Schiappa, always accustomed to controversy, this time did not seem to be able to get out of it. First by posing for the cover of Playboy, broadcast in the midst of a challenge to the pension reform. Then by finding herself embroiled in suspicions of favoritism targeting the Marianne fund, launched on her initiative following the death of Samuel Paty. Daily summoned by the left to resign, Marlène Schiappa was well able to explain herself to the senators gathered in a commission of inquiry. But the latter only overwhelmed her all the more, describing in their report the management of this fund as a “fiasco”. “My probity is intact,” then retorted the minister, thinking perhaps of bouncing back again, surely hoping that it would not be too much controversy.
Emmanuel Macron therefore separates from one of his most loyal, mobilized from the 2017 campaign, close to Brigitte but also to the wife of Alexis Kohler, secretary general of the Élysée. Marlène Schiappa has established herself in the landscape of the head of state. And even for a time illustrated the winning bet of civil society by becoming the face of the State Secretariat for Gender Equality – “great cause of the quinquennium” -, with as only political baggage a mandate as municipal councilor and a Trotskyist historian father.
Although little appreciated by associations in the sector, Marlène Schiappa has never hesitated to bring her vision of feminism to life. In his books, sometimes eclectic for a member of government, and on all antennas, even the less frequented. The minister quickly bonded with Cyril Hanouna, alongside whom she hosted a Grand Debate session following the “yellow vests” crisis.
Often critical of her colleagues but never of the president – “the best decision of my life was to support Emmanuel Macron at the time”, she likes to repeat – her unfailing loyalty has enabled her to survive all the reshuffles. And even to be promoted in 2020 to Minister Delegate for Citizenship under the supervision of Beauvau, where she was able to broaden her base and make Gérald Darmanin a serious support. The Minister of the Interior has recently expressed his support when no one – or very few elected officials – within the presidential majority, did not risk it.
Recalled last July to take charge of the Social and Solidarity Economy, after a brief escapade in New York, Marlène Schiappa was initially discreet. Before shining again by controversy, perhaps his only way to exist with a reduced portfolio. In the storm, she tried to save face, saying she was used to everyone betting on her future. This is now the question settled. And another open question. What will she become?
Some, in the majority, fear that the now ex-minister with withdrawn responsibilities will release her word even more. Some imagine a future for him on the sets, others in his novels. Or maybe both at the same time. In the meantime, Marlène Schiappa has not lost an opportunity to distinguish herself.
Even before the formalization of his departure, the macronist spoke. At the microphone of BFMTV, she praised her action and recalled her longevity, while ensuring that she was “always” a “loyal support of the president”. Before drawing inspiration from Saint-Exupéry’s Little Prince: “No one can predict the future, the principle is rather to make it possible.” His entourage also warned: “When we take stock of the Macron years, it is clearly the one that will stand out. No regrets, no farewells. True to herself.
