Gérald Darmanin: A Prominent French Politician Shaping the Interior Ministry

Gérald Moussa Darmanin (born October 11, 1982) is a significant figure in contemporary French politics, having served as the Minister of the Interior under the leadership of Prime Ministers Jean Castex, Élisabeth Borne, and Gabriel Attal from 2020 to 2024. A key player in French government, Darmanin’s political trajectory has seen him rise from humble beginnings to holding one of the country’s highest offices.

Darmanin began his political career as a member of The Republicans (LR) but switched allegiance to President Emmanuel Macron’s party, La République En Marche! (LREM), in 2017. His swift rise in politics was marked by his tenure as Mayor of Tourcoing (2014-2017) and his role as Minister of Public Action and Accounts in Prime Minister Édouard Philippe’s governments from 2017 to 2020. His move to the Ministry of the Interior marked a new phase in his career, and at 37, he became the youngest person to hold the position in France’s Fifth Republic.

Early Life and Education: The Foundations of Gérald Darmanin’s Political Journey

Born into a working-class family with Algerian and Maltese roots, Gérald Darmanin’s background deeply influenced his political values. His father, Gérard Darmanin, managed a bistro, while his mother, Annie Ouakid, worked as a cleaner. His maternal grandfather, Moussa Ouakid, was a decorated soldier in the French Army, serving in the Algerian tirailleurs and fighting as a résistant in the French Forces of the Interior (FFI) during World War II. Ouakid’s involvement as a Harki during the Algerian War also underscores the complex historical ties between Darmanin’s family and French-Algerian history.

Darmanin’s early education in Valenciennes was marked by academic struggles, prompting his parents to enroll him in a private school in Paris. When financial hardships made it impossible to pay for his studies, Darmanin was allowed to continue his education for free, provided he worked as a hall monitor. His perseverance paid off, as he eventually attended Sciences Po Lille after a preparatory year at the Institut Catholique de Paris (ICP), where he crossed paths with notable peers, including Princess Fawzia-Latifa of Egypt.

The Early Political Career of Gérald Darmanin

Darmanin’s first foray into politics began as a parliamentary assistant to conservative MP Isabelle Vasseur. He later worked with former French Minister Jacques Toubon, gaining experience and connections within the political establishment. Toubon became a mentor, helping Darmanin ascend the ranks of the Union for a Popular Movement (UMP), where he caught the attention of Nicolas Sarkozy’s inner circle. In 2012, Darmanin won his first election, becoming a member of the National Assembly for the 10th district of Nord, one of the youngest lawmakers in France at the time.

His political momentum continued when he was elected Mayor of Tourcoing in 2014, positioning himself as a rising star on the national political stage. His role as director of Sarkozy’s primary campaign in 2016 further solidified his reputation as a skilled political strategist.

Minister of Public Action and Accounts (2017-2020)

In May 2017, Gérald Darmanin was appointed Minister of Public Action and Accounts in President Macron’s government, working closely with Bruno Le Maire, Minister of the Economy and Finance. During his tenure, Darmanin played a pivotal role in reducing France’s budget deficit to below the EU-mandated 3% of GDP, a feat not achieved in a decade. His efforts were instrumental in implementing Macron’s ambitious tax reforms, including streamlining tax collection and improving public sector efficiency.

A key achievement during this period was his role in negotiating a settlement between Google and French tax authorities, which resulted in the tech giant paying nearly 1 billion euros to end a lengthy investigation into profit-shifting practices. Darmanin’s tenure was marked by his commitment to fiscal discipline, even as he navigated the complexities of managing France’s finances during the early phase of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Gérald Darmanin as Minister of the Interior (2020-2024)

In July 2020, Gérald Darmanin was appointed Minister of the Interior, a move that significantly raised his political profile. His appointment came during a period of heightened social and political tensions in France, with issues such as terrorism, radical Islam, and public security dominating the national discourse.

Following the tragic murder of Samuel Paty in October 2020 by an Islamist extremist, Darmanin took swift action by launching a police crackdown on individuals linked to radical Islamist movements. He also ordered the closure of the Pantin mosque, which had disseminated inflammatory content about Paty. Over the following years, Darmanin continued his hardline approach to counterterrorism, overseeing the dissolution of several radical Islamist organizations and implementing stricter policies on immigration and deportation procedures.

In 2020, following a deadly stabbing in Nice by a Tunisian migrant, Darmanin led negotiations with Tunisia to streamline deportations of individuals deemed a threat to public safety. His strong stance on public order extended to banning radical right-wing groups like Génération identitaire, which he accused of promoting hate and violence.

A significant piece of legislation sponsored by Darmanin was the 2021 bill aimed at combating separatism and radical Islam. This law was designed to curb the influence of Islamist ideology within French Muslim communities while upholding the principles of the French Republic. The legislation also enabled Darmanin to take action against controversial issues such as the wearing of burkinis in public pools, as seen in his legal opposition to Grenoble’s decision to allow the garment.

Political Challenges and Resilience

Throughout his time as Minister of the Interior, Gérald Darmanin faced several controversies. Most notably, the handling of the chaotic 2022 UEFA Champions League final in Paris led to widespread criticism of the French police’s conduct. Many called for Darmanin’s resignation, but President Macron stood by him, and Darmanin emerged from the crisis with his political authority largely intact.

Darmanin’s political positions have evolved over time, but his conservative roots remain evident. He has publicly opposed same-sex marriage and has voiced concerns about the impact of identity politics on French society. His connections to conservative intellectuals like Alain Finkielkraut and Éric Zemmour reflect his broader ideological influences.

Future Prospects

By 2023, Gérald Darmanin was widely viewed as a potential successor to Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne, with some political commentators speculating that he could even become a future presidential candidate. His combination of political pragmatism, loyalty to Macron, and willingness to take controversial positions have positioned him as one of France’s most influential and divisive political figures.