Bulletin officiel recently published a note from Edouard Geffray, the head of the French National Education Ministry, stating that it is inappropriate for students aged 10, 12, and 13 to see political candidates entering their classrooms to campaign. The note serves as a reminder of the ethical rules for public officials and the legal guidelines for the involvement of political figures in schools during pre-election periods. It emphasizes that the principle of the neutrality of public education strictly prohibits organizing any political meetings or visits within schools or secondary education institutions during school hours. The document outlines two specific scenarios in which a political figure's visit to a school might be authorized. First, during school hours, only if the visit is part of a teaching activity and has been approved by the relevant pedagogical teams, and it has a purely educational purpose. Second, outside of school hours, when elected officials or candidates wish to organize visits or meetings in their constituency. In either case, candidates will not be seen "visiting classrooms and being photographed with children." Edouard Geffray explained that candidates can meet with volunteers outside of classrooms, provided the people involved agree to the meeting. However, they will not be seen entering classrooms or being photographed with students. The note also reminds public service agents, including teachers, of their ethical obligations during a time of "intensified political debates and engagement." These include the obligation of reserve, neutrality, professional secrecy, and discretion. The text emphasizes that these ethical obligations remain in effect even when public officials express their views on social media. The note aims to ensure that the neutrality of the education system is maintained, regardless of the political climate, and that the role of teachers and other public servants remains impartial and professional.