Former French Secretary of State Nathalie Elimas Faces Jail Time for Workplace Harassment
Prosecutor seeks ten-month suspended sentence and fine for Elimas amid allegations of moral harassment in ministry.
Nathalie Elimas, the former Secretary of State for Priority Education in France, is facing a ten-month suspended prison sentence along with a €10,000 fine and a three-year disqualification from holding public office.
This follows allegations of workplace harassment during her tenure from 2020 to 2022. The prosecutor's office characterized the case as a clear instance of moral harassment, citing consistent unfounded criticisms, contradictory demands, workplace surveillance, and the marginalization of certain employees.
Elimas came under scrutiny in December 2021 when an administrative investigation was launched by the General Inspectorate of Higher Education and Research (IGESR) after internal reports indicated dysfunctions in professional relationships within her office.
During the trial, three women testified about their experiences in Elimas’s cabinet, describing a climate of paranoia and intimidation.
One witness, under the pseudonym Pauline, detailed the continuous paranoia exhibited by Elimas, stating that the Secretary of State believed everyone was against her.
Pauline recounted instances of contradictory instructions regarding media coverage, highlighting Elimas's jealousy over the visibility afforded to female colleagues.
She noted that while Elimas sought media exposure, she would on occasion cancel interviews at the last minute due to fears of being trapped.
Another witness, referred to as Clara, shared a distressing incident following her miscarriage while working with Elimas.
Clara expressed her disappointment over Elimas’s lack of support during her recovery, stating that she was reprimanded for taking sick leave and accused of fabricating her condition.
She mentioned that after this incident, Elimas completely ceased communication with her.
In her defense, Elimas, who is now a regional councillor in Île-de-France, claimed she was the target of a conspiracy, suggesting that her high-profile interactions in the government had led to resentment from her superiors.
She specifically mentioned Jean-Michel Blanquer, her supervising minister, and François Bayrou, president of the MoDem party, claiming they were involved in a vendetta against her.
The prosecutor refuted these claims, labeling them as implausible.
In her closing remarks, she emphasized that it would be simpler for political actors to simply remove a minister rather than orchestrate a conspiracy involving their staff.
Elimas's attorney acknowledged the complexities of the situation but argued that Elimas had indeed suffered significant consequences, including the loss of her job and her candidacy in the upcoming legislative elections.
Throughout the trial, Elimas reportedly took notes without acknowledging any wrongdoing concerning her treatment of staff.
The prosecutor noted the absence of remorse or recognition of the victim's experiences during her statements.
The verdict in this case is scheduled for June 16.
This follows allegations of workplace harassment during her tenure from 2020 to 2022. The prosecutor's office characterized the case as a clear instance of moral harassment, citing consistent unfounded criticisms, contradictory demands, workplace surveillance, and the marginalization of certain employees.
Elimas came under scrutiny in December 2021 when an administrative investigation was launched by the General Inspectorate of Higher Education and Research (IGESR) after internal reports indicated dysfunctions in professional relationships within her office.
During the trial, three women testified about their experiences in Elimas’s cabinet, describing a climate of paranoia and intimidation.
One witness, under the pseudonym Pauline, detailed the continuous paranoia exhibited by Elimas, stating that the Secretary of State believed everyone was against her.
Pauline recounted instances of contradictory instructions regarding media coverage, highlighting Elimas's jealousy over the visibility afforded to female colleagues.
She noted that while Elimas sought media exposure, she would on occasion cancel interviews at the last minute due to fears of being trapped.
Another witness, referred to as Clara, shared a distressing incident following her miscarriage while working with Elimas.
Clara expressed her disappointment over Elimas’s lack of support during her recovery, stating that she was reprimanded for taking sick leave and accused of fabricating her condition.
She mentioned that after this incident, Elimas completely ceased communication with her.
In her defense, Elimas, who is now a regional councillor in Île-de-France, claimed she was the target of a conspiracy, suggesting that her high-profile interactions in the government had led to resentment from her superiors.
She specifically mentioned Jean-Michel Blanquer, her supervising minister, and François Bayrou, president of the MoDem party, claiming they were involved in a vendetta against her.
The prosecutor refuted these claims, labeling them as implausible.
In her closing remarks, she emphasized that it would be simpler for political actors to simply remove a minister rather than orchestrate a conspiracy involving their staff.
Elimas's attorney acknowledged the complexities of the situation but argued that Elimas had indeed suffered significant consequences, including the loss of her job and her candidacy in the upcoming legislative elections.
Throughout the trial, Elimas reportedly took notes without acknowledging any wrongdoing concerning her treatment of staff.
The prosecutor noted the absence of remorse or recognition of the victim's experiences during her statements.
The verdict in this case is scheduled for June 16.
