Secretary of State Nathalie Elimas, in charge of Priority Education, is the subject of an administrative investigation, the Ministry of National Education said on Saturday, on accusations of harassment and abuse within her cabinet.
Five sources indicated this Saturday that Nathalie Elimas was the subject of an administrative investigation when she is accused of having harassed collaborators. Requested, the ministry “confirms that there is indeed an administrative investigation” in progress “on the human resources functioning of the cabinet of Mrs. Elimas”.
An internal inspection launched
“There is no fixed date, at this stage, for the submission of the report”, specified the ministry, even if four of the five sources indicated for their part that most of the hearings had been done and that the submission of the report would be imminent. Asked this Saturday, the Secretary of State, who entered the government in July 2020 and aged 48, did not wish to comment, referring to those around her.
“The Ministry has asked the General Inspectorate for Education, Sport and Research (IGESR) to carry out an internal inspection within the office of the Secretary of State, in order to shed light on any difficulties related to labor relations within the cabinet”, confirmed the cabinet of the Secretary of State.
“This inspection began in early January and the conclusions must be made in the coming weeks,” added this source. “If malfunctions were to be brought to light by this report, it is obvious that all necessary measures would be taken to remedy them”, it was further indicated.
According to concordant sources, all the members of the cabinet, including Nathalie Elimas, were heard. Several sources have indicated that Nathalie Elimas was accused of acts of “harassment” but also of “mistreatment” of employees. All preferred to remain anonymous.
A problem of “generalized” harassment
Half a dozen people would be victims, according to two people who have worked since July 2020 in the office of this human resources specialist. One of these two sources mentions “numerous sick leaves” and “departures of employees”. Another person who has worked for the firm mentions a “generalized” problem of harassment.
A third person evokes his “descent into hell”, insisting on the many “tantrums” of the one who was a deputy for Val-d’Oise until her arrival in the government, targeting her collaborators, in particular during meetings.
At least three sources have also pointed out that the employment within the cabinet of a very close friend of Nathalie Elimas, described by one of these sources as “untouchable”, would be one of the aspects of this administrative investigation. The firm did not comment.
