Away from political life – but not the media – for several years, Manuel Valls entered the government as Minister for Overseas Territories. This is why François Bayrou brought him into his team.
It’s the chef’s surprise! After days of negotiations, pressure and compromise, the new government was announced this Monday, December 23. One name, among all those cited by Alexis Kohler, secretary general of the Elysée, particularly attracted attention: that of Manuel Valls. The former Prime Minister of François Hollande (2014-2016) is back in business, not at Matignon, but with a ministry at the heart of the news: that of Overseas Territories.
At 62, the man who was also Minister of the Interior (2012-2014) returns to a government and could, in the eyes of François Bayrou, act as a left-wing guarantor within his team. For the tenant of Matignon only because the unsuccessful candidate for mayor of Barcelona (2019) has since rallied behind Emmanuel Macron and distanced himself from the Socialist Party and the alliance formed with the other formations of the New Popular Front. Support of the President of the Republic during the 2017 and 2022 campaigns, he was invested by LREM for the 2022 legislative elections in the 5e constituency of French people established outside France (Andorra, Monaco, Spain, Portugal), but had been eliminated from 1er round.
Present in the public debate without holding office, Manuel Valls ended up establishing himself with François Bayrou. The two men are political savvy, have known each other for a long time and mutually appreciate each other. Above all, the former mayor of Evry has sent several signals recently regarding the portfolio he has just inherited. Responsible for the New Caledonia file when he was at Matignon, Manuel Valls did not fail to scratch Emmanuel Macron during the riots this fall. “The responsibility of the President of the Republic is largely engaged,” he said in Le Parisien. For him, “it will obviously be necessary to revise the electoral lists and abandon any idea of partitioning the island”, he defended.
On Mayotte – where Cyclone Chido devastated everything – there was already a question of immigration when planning the reconstruction of the island. Manuel Valls does not agree. He opposes the abolition of land rights in Mayotte, “useless and dangerous” according to him. Bruno Retailleau nevertheless defends it.
Live
10:28 – Transfer of power at noon
It is at noon that the transfer of power between François-Noël Buffet and Manuel Valls will take place. It is at the Hôtel de Montmorin, located behind the Invalides, that the former Prime Minister will then settle down.
09:30 – “The emergency is Mayotte” says Manue Valls
Guest of France Inter this Tuesday morning, Manuel Valls delivered his first ambitions for overseas territories, in accordance with his comments made in recent months. “The emergency is Mayotte,” he said, promising to go “very quickly” to the island, in the company of François Bayrou. In his eyes, this file requires a “long and difficult commitment because we are not going to rebuild Mayotte in a few weeks.”
09:20 – “Manuel Valls is a personality who does not fear risk.”
After the announcement of the new government, François Bayrou gave an interview to BFM TV. Naturally, the Prime Minister was asked about the appointment of Manuel Valls. He explained it. “He is a personality for whom I have esteem but above all I consider that one of the heaviest issues for the country is the Overseas”, therefore implying entrusting him with important responsibilities. What he does not fear, by his own admission: “Manuel Valls is a personality who does not fear risk.”
09:10 – Manuel Valls appointed Minister of Overseas Territories
It was the chef’s surprise! Manuel Valls was appointed Minister of State for Overseas Territories in the government of François Bayrou. The former Prime Minister of François Hollande is returning to business, six years after leaving French politics.