New government: the return of Montpellier's Patricia Mirallès, “a very big surprise”

Patricia Mirallès, now Minister Delegate for Veterans and Remembrance. Midi Libre – MICHAEL ESDOURRUBAILH

Former Hérault MP Patricia Mirallès returns to the Veterans portfolio that she left to Jean-Louis Thiériot in September. Secretary of State from 2022 to 2024, she now has the status of Minister Delegate. The day after her appointment, she reopens the files that she had put on hold and hopes, at her level, to avoid censorship. Interview.

How did you welcome this new appointment ?

It was a very big surprise. The President of the Republic had sent me a message in the afternoon saying that he really wanted me to come back. So I told him I was available and, like everyone else, I waited for the official announcement. I hadn’t said anything to anyone, not even my husband, because I know too well that last-minute negotiations between parties can turn everything upside down. I am very happy to be returning to this ministry, to complete the files that I had opened and left pending. I receive this appointment as a mark of confidence from the Head of State… and from the combatant world. Since Monday evening, I have been receiving calls from association presidents who tell me that my return is their best Christmas present. I am very touched by it. I am also happy to continue this mission with Sébastien Lecornu (the Minister of the Armed Forces, Editor’s note) whom I greatly appreciate, for his work and listening skills. He is also, like me, someone loyal to the President of the Republic.

What are the cases that you are going to reopen as a priority?

There are many. First, there is the care of wounded soldiers, which we have already significantly improved, but for whom we can do even more. I had also launched a specific work on the cornflower (the emblem of veterans, editor's note) whose centenary we will celebrate in 2025. I also want to continue my work on Remembrance, particularly with young people. Over the past three months, I have made many interventions in schools and high schools, because I am convinced that it is important to explain to young people where we come from, to better understand where we are going. Each time, I myself have come away enriched by these discussions. I had also initiated a project with Nicole Belloubet in connection with National Education, and I am happy to be able to resume it with Elisabeth Borne.

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The first challenge for this government will be the construction of a budget. Are you afraid of a battle to be able to work at a constant average ?

The two previous years, I already had to fight for my budget, it’s true, particularly against the argument that there were fewer veterans, therefore fewer resources needed. I won my arbitrations, to create new rights for veterans, for the wounded, wards, youth programs. Certainly, efforts will have to be made, but I would still have arguments.

This government may however have a limited life expectancy. You yourself had called on part of the left to unite, it failed…

I don't understand, because there, we could have gotten there. That the PS had reservations with an LR Prime Minister, certainly. But there, with the MoDem… I hope at least that they will take the time to see how it progresses, because systematically bringing down the government, for a little political game, that penalizes France. And then, I find that this team is muscular on its left leg with many personalities who have the sensitivity: Elisabeth Borne, Manuel Valls, Agnès Pannier-Runacher, François Rebsmen, myself…

You can be left-wing and work with Bruno Retailleau who has made illegal immigration his hobby horse ?

I have met a lot of people over the last three months. Citizens from all walks of life. He is almost the only minister I was told about, and in a good way. You have to listen to the field; people today do not ask themselves whether a particular minister is right-wing or left-wing; they expect firmness on matters of state. This does not prevent us from pursuing a policy of solidarity, quite the contrary. The situation requires this openness.

Do you think this government will be able to avoid censorship? ? It's off to a bad start…

I sincerely hope so. At my level in any case, I will strive to demonstrate that we must learn to work with everyone.

From Paris, you will keep an eye on Montpellier ?

My commitment remains the same and the local area is still important to me. I will remain attentive and rely on our group, on the municipal council, which works very well. Beyond Montpellier, an important task awaits me politically, since I am currently the only minister for Occitanie. I found it very regrettable that one of the largest regions had been forgotten in the Barnier government, because we cannot fight the extremes if there is no one to represent the government on the ground.

Being appointed minister on Christmas Eve is unusual…

That's true. It was a bit like Christmas before its time (laughs). So I got back to work this morning by taking out all my files.

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