Didier Guillaume died at 65. Elected representative of Drôme, former Minister of Agriculture, he loved Rugby. He even almost took over the leadership of the 2023 World Cup Organizing Committee; then he sat in the NRL. He had recently become Minister of State of Monaco.
Didier Guillaume died, not so old, but we knew he was ill for five years. He was 65 years old and had been hospitalized since January 10 in Nice. The conditions of his death chilled our sadness a little more; we are talking about a “disastrous illness that occurred during his hospitalization.”
Son of a sheep breeder, he was originally from Drôme, mayor of Bourg-de-Péage (1995-2004), president of the General Council (2004-2015) and senator (2008-2018). Originally a socialist, close to François Hollande, then to Emmanuel Valls, he gradually grew closer to Emmanuel Macron. He was Minister of Agriculture between 2018 and 2020 in the government of Edouard Philippe.
The about-face of the 2023 World Cup
He had left a true trace in the world of rugby. He almost took over as head of the Organizing Committee for the 2023 World Cup, proposed by Bernard Laporte and supported by Emmanuel Macron. But he had renounceto this opportunity. The episode caused a bit of ink to flow at the time, because his about-face had surprised the general public. “Presented in January to take over the presidency of the GIP (Public Interest Group) of the Rugby World Cup, as part of a full-time role, I confirm today that I have declined the offer of a presidency only representative »awill he then announced by press release. “No question of just cutting ribbons, I am a man of action” he then commented on France Bleu Drôme. The boss of the FFR wanted to count on Didier Guillaume's formidable address book, particularly at the level of local elected officials in the host cities, but the statutes of the GIP do not providethere were not the function of executive president, paid for that. Didier Guillaume could not SO to invest fully in it, he preferred to stay in the Senate at the last minute even if in the meantime he had lost the presidency of the socialist group of the High Assembly. In fact, he announced his withdrawal from political life in early 2018. et Patrick Kanner had taken his place as leader of the PS senators.
The National Rugby League (LNR) learned with great sadness of the death of Didier Guillaume.
Didier Guillaume dedicated his life to public action, exercising responsibilities as Mayor, President of the General Council, Senator and Minister of Agriculture and Food… pic.twitter.com/lSgXZFLsYl
-— National Rugby League (@LNRofficiel)
But, quite quickly, Didier Guillaume made his return to the world of oval balls, got involved in the National Rugby League, where he joined the Steering Committee and the Office in 2021, he was advisor in charge of public affairs to the president René Bouscatel. We remember that in 2019, he “changed” region by running for mayor of a stronghold of the oval ball, Biarritz for the 2020 municipal elections. But he finally gave up this candidacy under pressure from Emmanuel Macron because another candidate from the presidential camp was in the running (Jean-Baptiste Lemoyne, who also gave up). He was then given great projects for the BO.
In September 2024, he was appointed Minister of State of Monaco, designated by Prince Albert, a very important position at the level of the principality, the equivalent of a Prime Minister.
When his death was announced, the NRL released a press release : « “A great rugby enthusiast, Didier Guillaume joined the NRL Steering Committee and Office in 2021 to support professional rugby in its development, thanks to his experience and knowledge of rugby and institutions. He leaves a big void. All members of the National Rugby League send their most sincere condolences to his family and loved ones.” Prince Albert of Monaco, for his part, declared : “I am deeply touched by the death of a man of commitment and heart”
The funeral of Didier Guillaume will be celebrated on January 23 at Monaco Cathedral.
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