Renowned French Minister Embraces Academia, Stepping Away from Political Spotlight

In a surprising move, French Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire has announced that he will be taking a sabbatical from politics to join the faculty at the Université de Lausanne in Switzerland. This decision comes amidst a period of political upheaval in France, as Le Maire and the rest of President Emmanuel Macron's cabinet resigned in July following their party's defeat in snap elections.

A Seasoned Statesman Seeks a New Perspective

Leaving the Political Realm, Embracing Academia

Le Maire, who has been the longest-serving economy minister in modern French history, has decided to "take a step back from political life" to reflect and "get some fresh air." While he has been serving as a caretaker since his resignation, the appointment of a new Prime Minister, Michel Barnier, has yet to result in the naming of Le Maire's successor.In his announcement, Le Maire expressed his enthusiasm for the opportunity to engage with students and faculty at the Université de Lausanne, stating, "I'm going to do this in Lausanne, at the Université de Lausanne, and I'll really enjoy meeting students and talking to them." This move represents a significant shift in Le Maire's career, as he has been a prominent figure in French politics for the past several years.

Maintaining Ties to France, His "Homeland, Life, and Passion"

Despite his decision to take a break from politics, Le Maire made it clear that he will still be living in France, which he described as "my homeland, my life, my passion." This statement suggests that he may not be severing his ties to the French political landscape entirely, and that he may be considering a return to the political arena in the future.

Exploring New Horizons: Le Maire's Venture into Academia

According to a written statement from the University of Lausanne, Le Maire will be teaching at the Enterprise for Society Center (E4S), a joint venture of the University of Lausanne and other management schools and research centers. This opportunity will allow Le Maire to share his extensive experience and expertise in the field of economics with the next generation of leaders and thinkers.The decision to join the faculty at the Université de Lausanne is a significant one, as it represents a departure from Le Maire's long-standing career in French politics. It remains to be seen whether this move is a temporary respite or a more permanent shift in his professional trajectory. Nonetheless, it is clear that Le Maire is seeking a new perspective and a chance to engage with a different audience, while maintaining his deep-rooted connection to his homeland.