François Bayrou, one of the most seasoned and experienced names in French politics, was appointed Prime Minister of France this Friday (13th) by President Emmanuel Macron. At 73 years old, Bayrou returns to the center stage of power at a time of great political, economic, and social turbulence in the country. His appointment reflects Macron’s government’s attempt to stabilize a scenario marked by parliamentary fragmentation, the rise of the far-right, and a challenging budget. Bayrou becomes France’s sixth prime minister in seven years and the fourth to hold the position in 2024 alone, highlighting the recent instability in the French political system.
François Bayrou was born on May 25, 1951, in Bordères, a rural village in the Pyrénées-Atlantiques, in southwestern France. The son of a teacher and a farmer, he grew up in an environment of simplicity and hard work. Bayrou, who still prides himself on his humble origins, describes his childhood as essential to shaping his civic and political values. According to the Democratic Movement (MoDem), the party he founded, the prime minister received a “rigorous yet open” education, marked by discipline, a sense of solidarity, and intellectual curiosity.
In addition to his direct connection to rural life, Bayrou developed a special appreciation for academic pursuits. He graduated in Classical Literature and worked as a teacher, an experience that deeply shaped him and influenced his political convictions, particularly concerning education and the role of the state in citizen development. This background set him apart from many contemporary politicians and earned him a reputation as a pragmatic intellectual capable of engaging with diverse political ideologies.
Bayrou took his first steps in politics in his native region of Pyrénées-Atlantiques, where he began his career as a local representative and quickly rose to national politics. He was first elected as a deputy in the 1980s, establishing a loyal voter base in the region, and has since remained a significant figure in French politics.
Bayrou’s turning point came in the 1990s when he was invited to serve as Minister of Education under Édouard Balladur’s government (1993–1995). Bayrou remained in the ministry until 1997, spanning two administrations, but his tenure was considered unremarkable. The most notable aspect of his time in office was his failed attempt to increase subsidies for private schools, which met resistance from Parliament and progressive voters.
Despite these challenges, Bayrou did not abandon public life. In 2014, he returned to the political stage with renewed vigor after being elected mayor of Pau, a position he held with distinction. Under his leadership, Pau gained recognition for innovative policies aimed at local economic development and urban modernization. Bayrou was reelected in 2020, reinforcing his ability to maintain a solid base of supporters.
After years of disagreements with traditional right-wing parties in France, François Bayrou broke away from his political allies and founded the Democratic Movement (MoDem) in 2007. The centrist, pro-European Union, and democratic values-oriented party emerged as an alternative to the growing polarization between the left and the right.
Bayrou also ran for the French presidency three times: in 2002, 2007, and 2012. His most notable campaign was in 2007, when he garnered 18% of the votes in the first round and stood out as a moderate voice in a polarized political landscape. Although he did not win, his candidacy helped establish the political center as a significant force in France.
In 2017, François Bayrou made a strategic decision: he withdrew from the presidential race to support Emmanuel Macron, a rising politician who promised to renew French politics. This alliance was crucial to Macron’s victory and marked the beginning of a close collaboration between the two leaders. Bayrou was rewarded with the position of Minister of Justice, but his tenure lasted only 35 days. He resigned after becoming the subject of an investigation into the alleged misuse of funds in the European Parliament. Despite the accusations, Bayrou maintained his political influence and remained an important ally of Macron’s government.
François Bayrou assumes the role of prime minister at a time of deep crisis in France. The country faces a public deficit expected to reach 6.2% of GDP in 2024 and a debt projected to hit 110% of GDP by 2025, alarming figures for one of Europe’s largest economies. His most urgent challenge will be securing approval for the 2025 Budget, a task that proved fatal for his predecessor, Michel Barnier, who left office after losing a no-confidence vote over controversial fiscal measures.
In addition to economic difficulties, Bayrou will have to contend with a fragmented National Assembly and the rise of the far-right National Rally, led by Marine Le Pen. To stabilize the government, Macron is betting on Bayrou’s ability to engage with various political factions and build temporary alliances. Government insiders suggest that the new prime minister may be the only one capable of brokering a no-censorship agreement with both the left and the right.
This expectation is not unfounded. In 2022, Bayrou surprised many by granting his signature to formalize Marine Le Pen’s presidential candidacy, stating that the decision aimed to “preserve democracy” and ensure political plurality. While he made it clear he did not support Le Pen’s ideas, the gesture demonstrated his political pragmatism.
In his recent interviews, Bayrou has emphasized that the economy should be the government’s priority and that economic recovery must serve as the foundation for a balanced social project. He openly criticizes what he calls the “stupid confrontation” between the left and the right, positioning himself as a moderate figure in a polarized landscape.
However, Bayrou will have little time to implement his ideas. Expectations are high, and the challenges ahead are numerous: from passing the budget to pacifying the Assembly and addressing the economic and social crises.
With a career spanning more than four decades, François Bayrou takes on the role of prime minister with the mission of stabilizing the government and strengthening Emmanuel Macron’s position during a critical moment. His ability to engage with diverse political sectors and his history of pragmatism will be tested like never before. The question remains whether the veteran centrist can bring France the political and economic stability it so desperately needs.
