France's New Education Minister Faces Challenges Over Sexuality Education and Teacher Cuts

Élisabeth Borne is tasked with implementing a contested sexuality education program and addressing teacher shortages in a strained education system.

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.