Jean-Michel Blanquer was sprayed with foam by two teachers on Saturday while distributing leaflets in Montargis (Loiret), where the former Minister of National Education is a legislative candidate. Two men were taken into custody.

Jean-Michel

In a tweet, Jean-Michel Blanquer condemned the attack he suffered: “An electoral campaign is a moment of democratic happiness through exchange. Things are going well here in Montargis meeting the citizens. I have just been assaulted by two individuals who want to break this. Let’s not accept it. Long live calm, long live respect, long live democracy,” he wrote.

Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne supported the former Minister of National Education, as well as his successor rue de Grenelle, Pap Ndiaye.

Full support for @jmblanquer. The debate, the confrontation of ideas are always riches. Physical or symbolic violence has no place in our democracy. https://t.co/9hBSb1jKxM

Democratic life can only exist in a debate of ideas respectful of the men and women who commit. Full support for @jmblanquer https://t.co/29EhMv62Vx

The public prosecutor of Montargis Loïc Abrial confirmed to Agence France-Presse the opening of an investigation for “aggravated violence”. “Mr. Blanquer received whipped cream or white mousse. He filed a complaint. Two people unknown to the services are in custody, “he said.

Jean-Michel Blanquer has sparked controversy on several occasions during his five years at the head of the Ministry of National Education. He had notably been criticized by the teaching world after New Year’s Eve for having spent his holidays in Ibiza, Spain. As France faced a new wave of Covid, it announced the back-to-school health protocol the day before the resumption and in a press article.