In his first TV appearance, new Labor Minister Jean-Pierre Farandou drew outrage by likening opposition to the pension reform to a lack of listening or understanding akin to autism. His remarks, made to Léa Salamé on France 2, were labeled ableist by several left-wing politicians. The minister apologized that evening on social media.
Jean-Pierre Farandou, newly appointed Minister of Labor and Solidarities, made a notable debut Tuesday evening during his interview on France 2's 20 Heures. Questioned by Léa Salamé about the suspension of the pension reform, announced earlier that day by Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu, he stated: «We are not deaf, we are not autistic, we can see that this reform is not going well.»
This phrasing quickly ignited social media, where it was condemned as ableist and disrespectful to autistic people. Ecologist deputy Marie-Charlotte Garin responded on X: «Being autistic is not an inability to understand things. It is a neurodevelopmental particularity, not a defect in intelligence or empathy. These words hurt, stigmatize, perpetuate clichés, and contribute to the exclusion of autistic people. It is ableism. A Labor Minister should be exemplary on inclusion, not contribute to everyday violence.»
Other left-wing politicians joined the criticism. LFI deputy Anaïs Belouassa Cherifi lashed out: «The new Labor Minister says that being autistic or deaf means not understanding. This is not a slip-up, it is repugnant ableist contempt. Indecent and unacceptable from a government member.» Auriane Dupuy, national youth coordinator for Génération.s, added: «Being autistic is not an insult. For the Minister of Labor and Solidarities to make such ableist remarks on air says a lot about this government's respect for disabled people.» Deputy Sébastien Peytavie, also from Génération.s and the first Assembly member in a wheelchair, emphasized: «Autism is neither a defect nor an insult. Words matter, especially when they come from a Minister of Solidarities.»
In response to the backlash, Jean-Pierre Farandou issued an apology on X: «By using the term autistic, my remarks hurt and that was not my intention. I am sincerely sorry and I apologize.» This incident highlights the challenges of sensitive communication in a government focused on inclusion.