Death of Didier Guillaume, former Minister of Agriculture and head of government of Monaco – Libération

The former French Minister of Agriculture, Didier Guillaume, who in September became Monaco’s Minister of State responsible for leading the principality’s government, died this Friday, January 17, the Principality announced. “His Serene Highness the Sovereign Prince has the immense sadness to announce the death of Mr. Didier Guillaume, Minister of State of the Principality of Monaco, following a severe illness which occurred during his hospitalization,” says a press release from the office of Prince Albert of Monaco, which does not specify the place of death of the former socialist senator.

On January 10, the Prince’s Palace announced that Didier Guillaume would “having to undergo treatment requiring scheduled hospitalization, which will not allow him to exercise his functions as Minister of State during the coming weeks”. Aged 65, this Drômois had accumulated mandates in his department: mayor of Bourg-de-Péage (1995-2004), president of the general council of Drôme (2004-2015) then senator (2008-2018).

Passionate about Rugby

Specializing in agricultural issues, this former loyalist of François Hollande, then of Manuel Valls, had finally accessed a government portfolio under Emmanuel Macron, being in charge of Agriculture from 2018 to 2020. Previously, this rugby enthusiast had been approached for take the head of the organizing committee for the 2023 World Cup. He had given up, the function being essentially honorary. After leaving the government in July 2020, he became a member of the National Rugby League and advisor to the president on public affairs.

In his press release, Prince Albert II of Monaco greets the “human qualities” et “remarkable commitment” by Didier Guillaume “at the service of the Principality upon taking office on September 2, 2024”. Isabelle Berro-Amadeï, Minister of External Relations of the principality, is in charge of the interim head of the Monegasque government, specifies the press release. The Monegasque government, not resulting from the ballot box, presents draft laws to the prince and ensures the administration of the principality located on the edge of the Mediterranean. Traditionally seconded by France, the minister of state is appointed by the prince, whom he represents.