It is a message from a member of the government to his future counterpart. Civil Service Minister Guillaume Kasbarian congratulated billionaire Elon Musk on Wednesday on his appointment as head of the Ministry of “Government Efficiency” in the future Trump administration. “Congratulations for accepting this great challenge,” greeted Guillaume Kasbarian on the social network X (formerly Twitter), owned by Elon Musk.
In his message in English, Guillaume Kasbarian says he “can’t wait to share (with Elon Musk) best practices to combat excessive bureaucracy, reduce bureaucracy and rethink public organizations to improve the efficiency of public employees”.
“The Frenchman Elon Musk”
Enough to provoke the anger and irony of the left-wing opposition. “Minister for the Trumpisation of the public service? », Boris Vallaud, the leader of the PS deputies, wrote in X. “We thought Trumpism in France was limited to the far right. We were wrong. We have G. Kasbarian, the Frenchman Elon Musk without electricity,” he insisted X the first secretary of the party Olivier Faure.
“Kasbarian, minister of shame”, for his part addressed the LFI deputy and party coordinator Manuel Bompard X. “Kasbarian swoons over Musk, Trump’s minister. Macronism dissolves into Trumpism. Poor French officials who have to put up with such a minister”, also attacked the Paris senator and spokesperson of the French Communist Party (PCF) Ian Brossat X.
“A French minister congratulates, in English, Elon Musk on his appointment to the Trump administration. He proudly admits that he shares the same goals of weakening public services. How far will this government go in humiliating France? », reacted the French Insoumise (LFI) deputy for Val-de-Marne, Clémence Guetté.
When questioned during the Council of Ministers’ report, government spokeswoman Maud Bregeon debunked these claims. Guillaume Kasbarian “congratulated his counterpart and it ends here”, he declared, adding that there must be “no convergence” with the French government, “no excessive interpretation must be made”. “Elon Musk and the Donald Trump government he is building are not an inspiration to the government,” he added.
For her part, Valérie Pécresse, LR president of the Île-de-France region, went in the same direction as Guillaume Kasbarian.
“An anti-bureaucratic committee, I dreamed of it and Elon Musk will do it! “, he wrote on X.
“Cut unnecessary expenses”
Donald Trump said Tuesday that he plans to nominate Elon Musk to head the newly created Ministry of “Government Efficiency,” alongside Republican businessman Vivek Ramaswamy.
“Together, these two great Americans will chart my administration’s path to dismantle government bureaucracy, cut excessive regulations, cut unnecessary spending and restructure federal agencies,” the president-elect said in a statement, ensuring that these two allies in his campaign would “send shockwaves through the system.”
He even compared it to the “Manhattan Project of our time,” named after the American research and development program during World War II to create the atomic bomb. It’s been weeks since Donald Trump announced that the head of Tesla, SpaceX and
Interview Between Time.news Editor and Government Efficiency Expert
Editor:
Welcome to Time.news. Today, we’re exploring a fascinating intersection between technology and public service with our guest, Dr. Clara Dubois, an expert in government efficiency and public administration. Thank you for joining us, Dr. Dubois!
Dr. Dubois:
Thank you for having me! I’m excited to discuss this intriguing topic.
Editor:
Let’s dive right in. Recently, French Civil Service Minister Guillaume Kasbarian congratulated Elon Musk on his appointment as head of the Ministry of “Government Efficiency” in a potential future Trump administration. What do you think about a move like that? Is this a bold initiative or concerning?
Dr. Dubois:
It’s certainly a bold move! On one hand, it signals a willingness to embrace innovative ideas about bureaucracy and efficiency, which can be a positive step. However, collaborating with figures like Musk—who are controversial in their approach to governance—can generate significant pushback, as we’re seeing from the political left in France.
Editor:
Absolutely. In fact, some left-wing officials have expressed their disdain, referring to Kasbarian as “the Frenchman Elon Musk without electricity.” Does that criticism have merit given the context of public service and the challenges of bureaucracy?
Dr. Dubois:
Criticism is always warranted when such strong allegiances are formed. The concern is that a focus on efficiency might undermine essential public services. While Musk’s approach to innovation can inspire new solutions, it may not be suitable for the complexities of public administration, which requires compassion and democratic accountability.
Editor:
Kasbarian stated he looks forward to sharing “best practices to combat excessive bureaucracy.” In your experience, what are some effective strategies that can genuinely improve government efficiency without compromising service quality?
Dr. Dubois:
From my research, I’ve seen positive results from strategies like streamlining processes through technology, engaging service users for feedback, and implementing data-driven decision-making. It’s also crucial to foster a culture of continuous improvement among civil servants. These practices can help reduce bureaucratic burdens while maintaining a focus on citizen needs.
Editor:
It’s interesting to hear you emphasize the importance of user feedback. Given the push from Kasbarian seems to align with reducing bureaucracy, what pitfalls should the administration avoid to ensure that efficiency gains don’t turn into detrimental cuts?
Dr. Dubois:
The key pitfall is the simplistic view that cutting bureaucracy equals cutting staff or resources. Efficiency should not come at the expense of staff morale or the quality of public services. If frontline workers are overburdened or under-resourced, it can lead to burnout and decreased service quality. A strategic approach is necessary—one that includes investment in training and supports for public employees.
Editor:
That’s a valid point. During a recent press conference, government spokeswoman Maud Bregeon downplayed concerns about a convergence with Trump’s ideals, insisting there shouldn’t be “excessive interpretation” regarding Kasbarian’s statement. How do you interpret this response?
Dr. Dubois:
That response reflects a need to maintain political distance and manage public perception. It’s essential for any government to clarify its own agenda, especially when there are external associations that could provoke unrest. While Kasbarian’s intentions may stem from a desire to innovate, there is a delicate balancing act between exploring efficiency and staying true to the values of public service.
Editor:
So, it’s not just about the methods but also the messaging. Before we conclude, Dr. Dubois, what advice would you give to policymakers eyeing innovation from figures like Musk while avoiding the backlash we’re witnessing?
Dr. Dubois:
Policymakers must ensure that innovative avenues resonate with the public’s needs and values. Engaging in open dialogues with constituents about reforms can build trust. Additionally, they should be transparent about which practices they adopt and how these will directly benefit the public. Ultimately, any approach must prioritize the welfare of citizens alongside efficiency.
Editor:
Thank you, Dr. Clara Dubois, for sharing your insights on this pressing topic. It’s clear that navigating the intersection of innovation and public service requires thoughtful, inclusive strategies.
Dr. Dubois:
Thank you for having me! It’s been a pleasure discussing these vital issues with you.