Overview

• Élisabeth Borne, newly appointed Minister of Education, inherits the contentious task of advancing the delayed sexuality education program, which has faced resistance from conservative groups and religious organizations.
• The program, aimed at fostering respect, equality, and awareness of consent, has been described by Aurore Bergé, Minister for Gender Equality, as a 'necessity' and a top priority for the government.
• Since 2001, schools in France have been mandated to provide at least three annual sessions on sexuality education, but compliance has been inconsistent across the country.
• Teacher unions are demanding action from Borne on reversing the planned elimination of 4,000 teaching positions and addressing broader systemic issues in education funding and reform.
• Borne, who previously served as Prime Minister, faces skepticism from unions and parent organizations, with critics citing her past policies and political affiliations as potential obstacles to consensus.