Former Agriculture Minister Didier Guillaume dies aged 65

  • Post category:Parti Socialiste
  • Reading time:11 mins read

Didier Guillaume, Former Minister of Agriculture, Passes Away at 65

Didier Guillaume, former Minister of Agriculture under Édouard Philippe’s government (2018-2020), has passed away at the age of 65, Monaco’s principality announced on January 17. A native of Bourg-de-Péage (Drôme), this charismatic political figure left his mark on the public stage through his committed career and often controversial stances.

A Rising Political Career

After starting his political journey in the 1980s as the president of François Hollande’s support committee, Didier Guillaume steadily climbed the national political ladder. He served as mayor of Bourg-de-Péage (1995-2004), president of the Drôme Departmental Council (2004-2015), and senator (2008-2018), where he chaired the Socialist Group from 2014 to 2018. He later aligned himself with Emmanuel Macron and joined the government as Minister of Agriculture and Food.

A Minister at the Heart of Controversy

During his tenure, Didier Guillaume faced tensions between environmentalists and farmers. His remarks on pesticides, particularly on the scientific responsibility to prove their effects on health, sparked debates. He also opposed the establishment of pesticide-free zones around residential areas and stirred public attention with his statement that “wine is not like other alcoholic beverages,” which ignited a nationwide discussion.

A Sports Enthusiast and Committed Leader

A passionate rugby fan, Didier Guillaume actively promoted sports and joined the French Rugby League’s board in 2021. In September 2024, he was appointed Monaco’s Minister of State by Prince Albert II, but a sudden illness forced him to step down in early January 2025.

Tributes Pour In

His passing has evoked widespread emotion among his colleagues and friends. Former minister Olivier Dussopt described him as “a friend, a brother,” while the FNSEA agricultural union praised “his efforts to strengthen the bond between the French people and their agriculture.” Marie-Hélène Thoraval, mayor of Romans-sur-Isère, highlighted his love for sports and rugby.

With his departure, French politics has lost a prominent figure whose dedication and convictions have left a lasting legacy.

Macron and Tebboune revive Franco-Algerian ties, between migration and security, after a period of tension

Macron and Tebboune Reignite Franco-Algerian Cooperation After Months of Tensions After several months of diplomatic crisis, marked by disagreements and a cooling of exchanges, French ...
Read More →

Marine Le Pen reacts to her conviction: between political denunciation and prospects for 2027

Marine Le Pen sentenced: a political decision she contests and an uncertain future for 2027 Marine Le Pen, leader of the National Rally’s parliamentary group, ...
Read More →

Conviction and ineligibility of Marine Le Pen: Russia denounces a “violation of democratic standards”

Conviction of Marine Le Pen: Kremlin Outrage and International Reactions The Paris Criminal Court’s decision to convict Marine Le Pen for embezzlement of public funds ...
Read More →

Syria: jihadist Mehdi Nemmouche appeals his life sentence in the trial of former French hostages’ captors

Mehdi Nemmouche Appeals His Life Sentence for Role as an ISIS Jailor An Appeal to Contest the Life Imprisonment SentenceMehdi Nemmouche, a former jailor for ...
Read More →

Marine Le Pen heavily punished: two years in prison and banned from running for five years after verdict in RN parliamentary assistants trial

Marine Le Pen sentenced to four years in prison, including two years firm, and five years of ineligibility The Paris Criminal Court delivered its verdict ...
Read More →

Macron and Tebboune revive Franco-Algerian ties, between migration and security, after a period of tension

Macron and Tebboune Reignite Franco-Algerian Cooperation After Months of Tensions After several months of diplomatic crisis, marked by disagreements and a cooling of exchanges, French ...

Marine Le Pen reacts to her conviction: between political denunciation and prospects for 2027

Marine Le Pen sentenced: a political decision she contests and an uncertain future for 2027 Marine Le Pen, leader of the National Rally’s parliamentary group, ...

Conviction and ineligibility of Marine Le Pen: Russia denounces a “violation of democratic standards”

Conviction of Marine Le Pen: Kremlin Outrage and International Reactions The Paris Criminal Court’s decision to convict Marine Le Pen for embezzlement of public funds ...

Syria: jihadist Mehdi Nemmouche appeals his life sentence in the trial of former French hostages’ captors

Mehdi Nemmouche Appeals His Life Sentence for Role as an ISIS Jailor An Appeal to Contest the Life Imprisonment SentenceMehdi Nemmouche, a former jailor for ...