Michel Barnier must form a new government and one of the key positions to be filled is that of Minister of Health. Several names are in the pipeline.
While Michel Barnier was elected Prime Minister, almost two months after the legislative elections, he must now form a government. The composition of the latter should occur next week, according to the tenant of Matignon. One of the portfolios that is of great interest is that of Health. Currently, Catherine Vautrin occupies the post as resigning Minister of Labor, Health and Solidarity, supported by Frédéric Valletoux, Minister Delegate in charge of Health and Prevention. According to The Pointthe latter could remain in the government but be assigned to a new ministry, that of Justice.
Priority issues will quickly await the new Minister of Health, such as France’s health budget for next year, the launch of vaccination campaigns, the fight against drug shortages and medical deserts, and the response to the demands of independent nurses who are asking for an increase in their rates and who have already planned a demonstration on October 1.
So who will take care of it? Frédéric Valletoux could be one of the favourites. In addition to his position as Minister Delegate, he won his place as a Member of Parliament during the last legislative elections. At the beginning of September, he made it clear on CNews that he would like to stay: “If I have the opportunity to continue projects that I have started, why not?” His position will also depend on whether or not the Ministry of Health remains attached to the Ministry of Labor.
Two LR specialists in the race
For the vacant position on Avenue Duquesne, two names from the right also stand out. Yannick Neuder, a cardiologist by profession, was notably cited by Arnaud Chiche, founder of the Santé en danger collective withEurope 1judging him “excellent on health issues”. The MP for Isère was re-elected in July and is the general rapporteur of the social security financing bill. Philippe Juvin is also being considered for the position. An anesthesiologist-resuscitator and leader of the Republicans in Hauts-de-Seine, he became known in particular during the Covid pandemic and for his skepticism regarding the bill for assisted dying.
If Michel Barnier opts for a more mixed government by appointing a few left-wing elected officials, Dominique Voynet, an anesthesiologist, could be in the pipeline. The former Minister of the Environment under Lionel Jospin has returned to the National Assembly under the NFP banner.