Following the announcement of the new government led by Michel Barnier on Saturday 21 September, several players in the disability sector were concerned not to see this term explicitly included in the title of the new ministry, whereas the previous government included a minister delegated for disabled people. Horizontes MP Paul Christophe inherited the ministry of solidarity, autonomy and equality between women and men, a title considered “titanic” by the Collective of Disabilities, which brings together 54 associations. “We were told about a legacy of the Paralympic Games, which will soon be buried”The group added on the social network X, which regrets the absence of a minister delegate or secretary of state dedicated to disability.
Sophie Cluzel, who was State Secretary in charge of this issue for five years (2017-2022), questioned the new minister on the same network: “I am counting on Paul Christophe to ensure that the absence of a dedicated ministry is not a sign of disinterest following the success of the Paralympic Games.”
Paul Christophe wanted to reassure them by publishing a message in the afternoon addressed to the “disability world”. “I have always wanted to defend the fundamental rights of people with disabilities and a more inclusive society. This is not going to change tomorrow. From now on, I am committed to this as a minister.”declared in X.
At the origin of several disability law proposals
Unknown to the general public, Paul Christophe replaces Catherine Vautrin, who was in charge of a wide portfolio including work, health and solidarity. At 53, he has climbed the ranks: first mayor of the town of Zuydcoote, on the outskirts of Dunkirk (North), he became a departmental councillor, before becoming a deputy after winning the elections of 14my Northern constituency in 2017. Re-elected in 2022 and then in 2024, he was appointed chairman of the social affairs committee in July. “which was not easy”stressed Senator Franck Dhersin. “He really specialized in family issues, early childhood, disability”specifies the latter.
Paul Christophe is behind several bills, including one on support for parents of sick and disabled children. He was also rapporteur of the text to promote the identification and support of neurodevelopmental disorders (NDD), including autism.
