Bercy Courtyard Thank-You Speech
At Bercy courtyard on September 12, Bruno Le Maire expresses gratitude to those who made his seven years at the helm of the Ministry of Economy and Finance possible. First, his delegated ministers receive polite applause from around 500 present officials. Then, the members of his successive cabinets are acknowledged for their sacrifice and exceptional commitment to serving the state. Notably, Emmanuel Moulin, his former chief of staff during the Covid-19 crisis, receives acclaim. Bertrand Dumont, who succeeded Moulin in 2020, is applauded despite his absence. Lastly, Jérôme Fournel, Dumont’s successor in early 2024, is hailed as the third hero of this grand adventure, as described by Le Maire during his farewell speech.
An Elite Administrative Trio
Since 2017, the trio of Moulin, Fournel, and Dumont have held key positions at the forefront of the high administration: managing the Treasury, the Minister of Economy’s cabinet, and the Prime Minister’s cabinet. This orchestrated ballet within the elite circles is overseen by the powerful Secretary-General of the presidency, Alexis Kohler. The trio, akin to the four musketeers, all share prestigious educational backgrounds, close friendships spanning three decades, and a deep-rooted connection to Bercy from the 1990s.
The Band at the Summit
These friends turned powerful figures have remained intertwined throughout their careers, with their influence cemented particularly within the Macron administration. The grouping of Moulin, Fournel, Dumont, and Kohler at the top of the Macronian state is described as a succession of fortuitous events by Moulin. Their association with Le Maire dates back to various governmental cabinets, where they accepted high-pressure roles despite criticism of alleged nepotism.
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