VS’is a ritual of presidential campaigns. As the polls approach, this year set for April 10 for the first round and 24 for the second, the movements of members of the government will be strictly regulated. Matignon clarified the rules on Wednesday January 12 in a circular signed by the Prime Minister, addressed to the entire executive. In this document, to which Point had access, Jean Castex recalls that “it is customary for members of the government to refrain from moving in the exercise of their functions at the approach of electoral operations”. “I hope that you comply with this custom, from Friday March 18, 2022”, ten days before the start of the official campaign, urges the Prime Minister. The head of government however authorizes exceptions, “in particular to participate in official meetings organized within the framework of the French presidency of the Council of the European Union”, and on condition to seek his authorization “through the intermediary of the secretary general of the government “. The ministers are encouraged to participate in the electoral campaign by excluding obviously “any use of public means”, in accordance with the law.
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Another circular from Matignon, also dated January 12, specifies the framework for the movement of presidential candidates in public services (hospitals, prisons, schools, etc.), recalling the obligation of neutrality, “cardinal principle of our right ”. “Visits will, each time, be authorized at an appropriate level; they will be organized under conditions such that they do not affect the proper functioning of the public service; they should not expose public officials who do not wish to do so, ”writes Jean Castex. “During these visits, the candidate may not be accompanied by journalists or photographers or speak publicly on the premises of the public service concerned. “