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François Bayrou, centrist leader of the MoDem and president of the European Democratic Party, has been appointed by Emmanuel Macron as the new prime minister of France. His career, marked by key roles in politics and legal challenges, has made him a prominent figure in the French political landscape

François Bayrou, born on 25 May 1951 in the Pyrénées Atlantiques, has devoted much of his life to French and international politics. A centrist, humanist and practising Catholic, he is a loyal ally of President Emmanuel Macron. His ministerial career began in the 1990s, when he served as Minister of Education from 1993 to 1997. In 2017, Bayrou was appointed Minister of State and Minister of Justice in Edouard Philippe’s government, a post from which he resigned only after a month due to an investigation into alleged fraudulent employment within his party, the Democratic Movement (MoDem).

In 2007 he founded the MoDem, of which he is still the leader, and held the presidency of the European Democratic Party (EDP), sharing this position with Francesco Rutelli until 2019. Bayrou has sought to promote a more cohesive Europe in contrast to the wave of Euroscepticism that has characterised many European countries in recent years.

The failed presidential elections and the 2017 renunciation

François Bayrou has attempted to win the French presidency on three occasions: in 2002, 2007 and 2012. In 2017, he decided not to run and to support Emmanuel Macron, who appointed him Minister of Justice after his election victory. However, a court case concerning alleged abuses in the use of public funds marked his exit from the government. After two years, Bayrou was formally indicted, but in 2020, in a sort of ‘rehabilitation’, Macron appointed him High Commissioner for Strategic Planning.

Absolution and political comeback

François Bayrou’s acquittal in 2024 paved the way for his return to government. Despite obstacles, including the strong opposition of former President Nicolas Sarkozy, Macron confirmed his confidence in the centrist leader, even awarding him the Legion of Honour in 2023. Bayrou is considered by many to be the right man to manage the dialogue between the various French political families and to tackle the economic and social challenges facing France.

His roots and personal life: a politician close to the people

François Bayrou comes from a farming family and, after the death of his father, helped his mother run the family farm. In addition to national politics, Bayrou is also very active locally: he has been mayor of Pau since 2014 and president of the Pau Béarn Pyrénées agglomeration community. With six children and 21 grandchildren, he is also a fervent supporter of family values.

A passion for literature and history

Bayrou has a strong passion for literature and history. A graduate in classical literature from the University of Bordeaux, he began his career as a teacher. He is the author of several essays, including a biography of Henri IV, ‘Henri IV, le Roi libre’, which has sold over 300,000 copies. His cultural and academic experience enriches his profile as a political leader with a broad and profound vision of contemporary challenges.

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