Amélie de Montchalin, with a robust economics background, returns to the government as Minister of Public Accounts after a two-and-a-half-year hiatus. At 39, she previously represented France at the OECD and has held multiple ministerial roles since 2019. Known for her directness and hard work, she faces challenges related to budget discussions, particularly the 2025 budget, amid France’s significant deficits and debt issues. Her strong leadership and communication skills will be crucial in her new position.
With a strong background in economics, Amélie de Montchalin is making a return to the government as the Minister of Public Accounts, a role she steps into two and a half years after her previous tenure. This marks her fourth ministerial appointment since 2019, with the backdrop of serving under various Prime Ministers.
At 39 years old, Ms. de Montchalin is currently representing France at the OECD, a position she secured after her defeat in the 2022 legislative elections in Essonne against the socialist candidate, Jérôme Guedj. This defeat led to her resignation from the government, following her early support for Emmanuel Macron.
Often characterized as a ‘pure techno, a soldier on a mission’ by communist senator Eliane Assassi, and noted by an Essonne mayor as ‘not the most fun on the planet’ but recognized for her ‘directness, solidity, and hard work,’ Ms. de Montchalin first served as Secretary of State for European Affairs under Edouard Philippe.
Her most extended role came as Minister of Transformation and Public Service under Jean Castex, which she held after the first lockdown. She was later appointed as Minister of Ecological Transition and Territorial Cohesion under Elisabeth Borne in May 2022, though she resigned just two months later.
Philippe Laurent, the mayor of Sceaux (Hauts-de-Seine), praised her in 2022, stating, ‘She is someone very bright, who understands very quickly,’ highlighting her adaptability to a role she had not previously held, demonstrated during their collaborations on territorial matters in Macron’s first term.
Ms. de Montchalin boasts an impressive educational background with studies at HEC and Harvard, along with diverse professional experiences in the banking (BNP Paribas) and insurance (Axa) sectors. She became a deputy for Essonne in 2017, following Emmanuel Macron’s initial election victory.
– Leadership and Communication Skills –
Before aligning with En Marche! at the end of 2016, Amélie de Montchalin had explored affiliations with the right, including a brief internship as an assistant to Valérie Pécresse in 2007 and contributing notes to Alain Juppé during the 2016 primary elections.
In the National Assembly, she rose to become the leader of the En Marche! deputies on the Finance Committee and later took on the role of the parliamentary group’s second-in-command. Her expertise in budgetary matters will be crucial as she faces the challenges ahead, particularly in the upcoming discussions surrounding the 2025 budget alongside her new supervising minister, Éric Lombard, formerly of the Caisse des dépôts (CDC).
A source from the union highlighted her ‘natural authority’ during her time in the Public Service, while others acknowledged her strong ability to engage in meaningful dialogue. Some within the administration expressed admiration for her talent in bringing her initiatives to fruition.
During her tenure in the Public Service, Ms. de Montchalin was proactive, often traveling to engage stakeholders and ensure a prominent media presence. Although her opportunities may be limited at Bercy, due to the oversight of the Minister of Economy and Finance, she will need to effectively persuade others in her new capacity at Public Accounts. This comes at a critical juncture for the nation, which is grappling with significant deficits and debt issues.