Legions of honor of “copinage”, indignant political opponents – RT in French

Several political figures expressed their ire after the announcement of the distinction of former ministers of Emmanuel Macron to the Legion of Honor, seeing it as a decoration for “cronyism” more than for services rendered to the nation.

Published in the Official Journal on January 1, the new civilian promotion of the Legion of Honor – the highest of French national distinctions – rewarded 340 people working “in the service of the nation”, said the Grand Chancellery in a press release.

If the ministers and parliamentarians in office cannot be named, several former ministers of Emmanuel Macron have however been distinguished: Nicole Belloubet has been promoted to commander; Muriel Pénicaud, François Bayrou (current High Commissioner for Planning) and Frédérique Vidal were promoted to officers; Christophe Castaner, Emmanuelle Wargon and Richard Ferrand were made knights.

Retirement at 65 for the people, privileges for friends

So many appointments that have aroused strong criticism, political figures on the right and on the left believing that they were only part of the “cronyism” of former ministers with the head of state Emmanuel Macron.

“In macronie, the year 2023 starts with a new episode of cronyism. Emmanuel Macron has just awarded the Legion of Honor to Bayrou, Castaner and Ferrand. Retirement at 65 for the people, privileges for friends,” commented Nupes deputy Thomas Portes.

“For 2023, I also wish you to become friends with the president. It allows you to find a job, or a legion of honor. Without breaking your head too much, ”wrote his colleague, Damien Maudet.

For the president of the Patriots Florian Philippot, the Legions of Honor of Richard Ferrand, Christophe Castaner and François Bayrou are “Legions of cronyism”. “These three have done nothing for France, apart from knowing [Emmanuel] Macron! What a shame!” he stormed on Twitter.

“As Brassens says, ‘friends first’!” Added the MEP and honorary president of Reconquest Gilbert Collard.

Last year, the appointment of the former Minister of Health Agnès Buzyn – yet questioned for her management of the health crisis in 2020 – to the rank of Knight of the Legion of Honor had already been highly criticized. Six months later, the former Minister of National Education Jean-Michel Blanquer, who had just been severely beaten in the legislative elections, was promoted to the rank of officer. Jean Castex, Jean-Yves Le Drian or even Florence Parly had also been rewarded.