At the end of the teacher competitions for the year 2023, nearly 3,100 positions were not filled: 1,300 in nursery and elementary schools, 1,800 in middle and high schools. Everyone also knows that hospitals are emptying of their nurses and caregivers. In these two cases, the causes are identified: remuneration that is too low compared to the private sector – a problem of “financial valuation” – and a virtual absence of social recognition and management of human resources – a lack of “symbolic valuation”.
Legal constraints and professional burnout
This syndrome of “double undervaluation” does not only affect national education and public health, far from it. It is a phenomenon which has largely invaded the political world and which risks costing our country dearly, which needs competent and committed elected officials more than ever. The financial valuation of our elected officials and ministers is not wonderful. Mayors’ compensation ranges from a little more than 1,000 euros gross for municipalities with less than 500 inhabitants to 5,800 euros for the largest cities. The presidents of departmental councils receive a little more than 5,600 euros gross per month, like the presidents of the regions. Our deputies receive a little more than 7,200 euros gross per month. Secretaries of State and ministers receive 10,600 euros per month, the Prime Minister and the President of the Republic, 15,900 euros.
These remunerations may seem comfortable compared to the average French salary, especially when they are accompanied by benefits in kind such as housing and a car. However, they must be compared to what those concerned could perceive in the private sector. The analogy works without a shadow of a doubt to the disadvantage of public offices. In theory, mayors and deputies can maintain a professional activity. But in practice, legal constraints and the absorbing nature of their function most often prevent such accumulation. Of course, those who have previously earned a good living have saved, have assets and can reduce their remuneration during their public commitment. But you also have to think about what’s next. However, outgoing members of a government can be banned by the High Authority for Transparency in Public Life, for three years, from paid activity if it is considered that it allows private interests to benefit from knowledge held by the former minister or secretary of state.
The “populist” scarecrow
The financial aspect does not exhaust the subject: symbolic valuation is a central issue. Taking out a mandate means potentially finding yourself subject to insults, threats, investigations by a sometimes incriminating press and legal risk. No one dares to raise this issue in our country, so as not to be accused of being “populist”. We must move on. A significant number of public officials are indicted, from Eric Dupond-Moretti to Olivier Dussopt, including Alexis Kohler, the secretary general of the Elysée.
One of two things. Either the political class is guilty of an immorality that it does not share with the rest of the population – that is not what I observe. Either the law has become so severe that it becomes difficult to exercise responsibilities without going through the courts. Which justice, like any human institution, can also be wrong: Agnès Buzyn was indicted, in September 2021, for “endangering the lives of others” in her management of Covid when she was Minister of Health, before the Court of Cassation annulled this crazy decision.
The price of courage and skill
The relationship between these considerations on the status of those responsible and the conduct of public policies in our country is as follows: we will not carry out the great and audacious reform of the public sphere that France needs without experienced ministers, sharp parliamentarians, determined mayors. However, there is a price for skill and courage. This is why we should, in the general interest, increase the remuneration of elected officials, decriminalize a certain number of offenses and even, why not, abolish the national financial prosecutor’s office. A resolutely anti-demagogic program, which would be a good investment for the nation.