Bercy: Bruno Le Maire breaks a longevity record

The Council of Ministers will examine a new Amending Finance Bill on Wednesday with 15 billion euros in new spending to support the exit from the health crisis. France has never spent so much to support its economy, but this is another record on which Nicolas Beytout stops this Monday morning.

This weekend, Bruno Le Maire broke a record for longevity as Minister of the Economy and Finance.

He has been in office for four years and 12 days, which places him just ahead of Christine Lagarde or Pierre Bérégovoy.

And in total, since the existence of the Fifth Republic, only Valéry Giscard d'Estaing has held this portfolio longer.

But that was almost 50 years ago.

It is a small revenge for Bruno Le Maire who, ten years ago, had the place of Minister of Finance blown away by François Baroin who will reign over Bercy for less than a year.

Silver medal for Bruno Le Maire, therefore.

Does it matter?

Outside of the glory? To answer, we must quote two figures. In 30 years, France had experienced twenty finance ministers, a turnover unique in all Western countries. Even countries deemed unstable like Italy were beaten. Having been there for four years as a treasurer in one of the richest countries in the world gives you experience and, above all, undeniable authority. On his administration first (that of Bercy has more than 120,000 agents, and a Treasury Department which does not let it be told). It also gives authority and weight internationally. Bruno Le Maire said this Sunday to Nicolas Beytout that he is now the oldest member of the G7, along with his Japanese counterpart. When it is necessary to defend a French way, it is essential.And then it finally makes it possible to influence domestic policy. Bruno Le Maire is one (with Jean-Michel Blanquer) of the rare ministers of weight to have not moved since the start of the quinquennium, his influence is necessarily felt.

On the management of whatever it costs, on the refusal of a new stimulus plan, on the niet to any increase in taxes.

And more generally on a vision (fairly constant despite the health shock) of the priority to be placed on companies.

This consistency is very precious.

And for him, personally, does this record change anything?

He has said it several times, he will support the re-election of Emmanuel Macron.

After 2022, with probably five years at Bercy, he will be able to allow himself some ambitions, including on international positions.

But of course, for that, we must first succeed in getting out of the crisis.