Bruno Le Maire, after seven years as France’s Minister of Economy and Finance, is now a professor at the Enterprise for Society in Switzerland and set to advise ASML on European semiconductor industry growth starting January 1. He ensured compliance with transparency regulations to avoid conflicts of interest, addressing concerns about illegal interests, ethics, and foreign influence. Le Maire will also modify the focus of his Paris-based business, 48 Jacob, to support his new advisory role.
Bruno Le Maire’s New Chapter in Switzerland
Bruno Le Maire’s vibrant energy remains undiminished even after seven years at Bercy. Since stepping down as the Minister of Economy and Finance last September, he has transitioned into a new role that keeps him actively engaged. Currently, he is sharing his knowledge as a professor at the Enterprise for Society (E4S) in Lausanne, Switzerland, where he teaches economics and geopolitics. Additionally, at the age of 55, this former civil servant is gearing up to join the ranks of ASML, a prominent Dutch company renowned for its semiconductor innovations in lithography, employing around 42,000 individuals.
Advising ASML on European Semiconductor Growth
This Thursday, a spokesperson for ASML announced that Bruno Le Maire will be advising the company’s board of directors, helping to foster the growth of the European semiconductor industry through strategic investments. His official engagement will commence on January 1. Notably, this new venture occurs less than three years following the conclusion of his government responsibilities. Prior to this appointment, Le Maire ensured compliance by notifying the High Authority for Transparency in Public Life (HATVP) to mitigate any potential conflicts of interest, as mandated by law.
The HATVP’s careful oversight has successfully addressed three major risks concerning Le Maire’s new role at ASML. Firstly, the risk of illegal interests was dismissed after Le Maire confirmed that he had not engaged in any actions related to ASML during his tenure at Bercy. Secondly, the ethics risk was also ruled out, with the HATVP clarifying that Le Maire’s planned activities do not compromise the integrity and ethical standards required during his governmental service. However, the authority advised him to avoid interactions with former colleagues and cabinet members to maintain ethical boundaries.
Lastly, concerns regarding foreign influence were alleviated, although the HATVP recommended that Le Maire maintain a vigilant stance. The authority will conduct regular monitoring to ensure adherence to these guidelines. To facilitate his new role, Le Maire intends to adjust the corporate purpose of his single-member simplified joint-stock company (SASU), 48 Jacob, which was established on September 16 in Paris, primarily focusing on organizing and participating in conferences.