Despite attempts to turn the page on pension reform, members of the government often come across the sounds of pots and pans during their travels. In Reunion Island, for her first overseas visit, Elisabeth Borne did not escape the rule despite a heavy device. For this first overseas incursion nearly a year after his arrival at Matignon, the objective is clear: to address topics of "daily life", to provide "concrete" solutions, and to demonstrate that the executive knows how to work with local elected officials.

During her visit to Salazie on Thursday, one of the poorest municipalities on the island, the Prime Minister met with elected officials and residents. Many subjects opening up, housing, agriculture, public school transport - were raised during an hour of polite exchanges. Opponents and their pots and pans were kept at a safe distance. A security device worthy of a siege surrounded the Departmental Council, for about thirty demonstrators.

Moving under a bell

Then, in front of the prefecture, where Elisabeth Borne went in the early evening, about twenty people with pots and pans and foghorns were pushed back smoothly by the police. "We fought for three months this pension reform not only because it is unfair, but also because here in Reunion, poverty, misery, low wages, poor housing are legion. And not hearing the word of the population is unfair and unworthy," said Marie-Hélène Dor, departmental secretary of the FSU. "I am at the disposal of the inter-union if it wants us to be able to talk. If it's about banging on pots and pans, it's not very constructive," the prime minister said, brushing off criticism of a bell trip.


Between ceremonies and official talks, sequences dedicated to ecology, housing, employment or agriculture, an intense program will continue to punctuate the visit of the head of government, accompanied by four ministers: Christophe Béchu (Ecological Transition), Marc Fesneau (Agriculture), Olivier Klein (Housing) and Jean-François Carenco (Overseas).

  • Politics
  • Elisabeth Borne
  • Réunion
  • Pension reform 2023