Do you know? Emmanuel Macron and Michel Barnier are tenants of two spa sieves: the Elysée Palace and the Hotel Matignon. Quite logical for two historical monuments built in the 18th century but far from exemplary for a president and his several governments who have doneelimination of thermal filtersa workhorse. And even more so since, from 1 January 2025, it will be prohibited to rent a thermal sieve classified “G” (on energy performance diagnostics) for renewed lease contracts or new tenants. Emmanuel Macron is being warned if he has to change prime minister next year.
This is obviously a joke, but the French, from whom the government demands efforts to renovate their homes, will moderately appreciate knowing that the Elysée Palace and the Hôtel Matignon are idiots in energy renovation. The Presidency states that it committed in 2017 to “many works»: renovation of the ground floor rooms, the party room, the large kitchens and, in June 2023, geothermal works (capturing the energy of the water in the basements to heat or cool the rooms, ed.) for winter commissioning 2024.”Very few buildings classified as historic monuments have undertaken such work», rejoices the Presidency of the Republic.
To partly finance them, the Elysée came up with a somewhat surprising idea, which perhaps some won’t like. July 25th, eve of Olympic GamesEmmanuel Macron inaugurated the brand new Elysée boutique (see below), “Maison de l’Élysée”, located opposite the official residence of the Head of State and rented by the Presidency of the Republic. This 290 m² boutique (+115 m² in the basement) which also serves as a museum and tea room, “offers almost 300 products, manufactured in France», produced by 40 companies, ranging from clothing to decorative objects through jams or teas or infusions.
An infusion to help renew the Elysée
For teas and infusions, for example, the Elysée chose Kusmi Tea, a brand born more than 150 years ago in St. Petersburg. Crossing the door of a boutique of the brand taken over in 2003 by the Orientis Gourmet company, you will find L’Infusion de l’Élysée, sold at 17.90 euros each, which bears the colors of France thanks to hibiscus, cornflower petals, apple, cherries or even blueberries.
But it is on the Kusmi Tea website that you will discover a rather unexpected detail: “Sales of L’infusion de l’Élysée help finance the renovations of the Elysée Palace.» «All products sold around the world give rise to the payment of a royalty which will finance the renovation of the Elysée», confirms a Figaro Sylvain Orebi, president of Orientis Gourmet, who did not want to communicate his sales figures.
A rule that also applies, not surprisingly, to the Elysée boutique. “The commercial revenues from these sales, after covering expenses, are transferred to the Elysée budget to help support the renovation and rehabilitation efforts of the Elysée Palace’s heritage», he states Figaro the entourage of the President of the Republic who also remained silent on its sales figures.
“I’m not really shocked. It is our heritage after all! A simple donation would have shocked me a bit. There we buy an infusion”, contradicts for his part Antoine, 39 years old who believes that he «it was better for the Elysée to be discreet» on the topic, given the bad image of Emmanuel Macron.
Interview: Time.news Exposes the Garnish of Government Renovation with Expert on Energy Efficiency
Editor (Time.news): Good morning, and welcome to Time.news. Today, we have the pleasure of speaking with Dr. Élise Langlois, an expert in energy efficiency and sustainable architecture. Dr. Langlois, thank you for joining us.
Dr. Élise Langlois: Good morning! Thank you for having me. It’s a pleasure to be here.
Editor: So let’s dive right in. There’s been quite a stir surrounding the Elysée Palace and Hôtel Matignon’s energy status, especially as the French government pushes for renovation efforts across the country. How ironic is it that the very institutions leading these discussions are also termed “thermal sieves”?
Dr. Langlois: It’s indeed a striking contradiction. When leaders like Emmanuel Macron and Michel Barnier are living in historic buildings that fail to meet modern energy standards, it sends a mixed message. The public might view this as hypocrisy, especially when they are being asked to make sacrifices to renovate their own homes. It underscores the larger issue of how society views energy efficiency, particularly in historic contexts.
Editor: And with the upcoming prohibition on renting “G” classified thermal sieves starting January 2025, do you think this will motivate the government to expedite their renovations?
Dr. Élise Langlois: I would hope so. The legislation reflects a broader commitment to improving energy performance in France. However, the pressure seems to be selectively applied. If high-profile buildings like the Elysée Palace are exempt or lag behind, it may diminish public trust in the government’s intentions. Real leadership will require them to lead by example.
Editor: Recent statements from the Presidency mention various renovations, such as geothermal works and overall improvements dating back to 2017. Do you believe these efforts are substantial enough given the upcoming regulations?
Dr. Élise Langlois: While any improvements are commendable, they need to be assessed critically. Historical buildings present unique challenges for energy renovation, but it’s not impossible. It’s essential that these efforts are both quantity and quality—meaning they must not only look good on paper, but also result in meaningful energy reductions and long-term sustainability.
Editor: Switching gears a bit, what do you think of the new Elysée boutique, “Maison de l’Élysée,” which aims to help finance these renovations?
Dr. Élise Langlois: It’s an innovative approach, but it also raises questions. The boutique does offer locally produced goods, which is a positive step toward supporting French craftsmanship. However, one must wonder if revenue from such a venture will genuinely contribute to the necessary renovations and whether it distracts from public accountability.
Editor: The Elysée has chosen to collaborate with Kusmi Tea for its products. Is this branding strategy a way for the government to connect with the public while masking their shortcomings in energy efficiency?
Dr. Élise Langlois: Possibly, yes. It’s a classic case of using branding to cultivate goodwill. While I appreciate the importance of local products, leveraging this collaboration to create an image of sustainability is somewhat superficial unless there are substantial actions taken alongside it. The government needs to ensure that this isn’t just a marketing ploy but part of a broader, genuine commitment to environmental responsibility.
Editor: Lastly, if you could give one piece of advice to the government regarding these energy efficiency efforts, what would it be?
Dr. Élise Langlois: I would advise them to adopt a transparent, inclusive approach. Involve citizens in the discourse about energy renovations and set ambitious yet achievable goals rooted in science and technology. Real change occurs not through mandates alone but through a shared vision between the government and its people.
Editor: Thank you very much, Dr. Langlois, for your insightful commentary. Your expertise provides a needed perspective as we navigate these critical discussions about energy efficiency and responsibility in France.
Dr. Élise Langlois: Thank you for having me! It’s important conversations like these that help drive progress.
Editor: This concludes our interview. Stay tuned for more discussions on pressing topics impacting our society today!