In a significant shift within the French government, Alexis Kohler, who has held the position of Secretary General of the Élysée since Emmanuel Macron's first election in 2017, will officially step down in mid-April 2025. Kohler, who has been a pivotal figure in Macron's administration, is set to transition to the private sector, reportedly joining Société Générale, a major French bank.
Emmanuel Moulin, 56, will take over the role of Secretary General. A seasoned administrator, Moulin has an extensive background in economic affairs and has served in various high-profile positions within the French government. His appointment comes at a time when the Élysée is navigating complex political waters, particularly following the loss of an absolute majority in the National Assembly after the June 2022 elections.
Kohler's tenure at the Élysée has been marked by significant challenges and achievements. Appointed in May 2017, he has been a close ally of Macron, serving as his chief of staff and later as Secretary General. His nearly eight-year service places him among the longest-serving officials in this role, second only to Jean-Louis Bianco, who served under François Mitterrand.
As Kohler prepares to leave, he has acknowledged the need for a fresh perspective within the administration. "Durant plus de dix ans à mes côtés, comme directeur de mon cabinet puis comme secrétaire général de l’Élysée, Alexis Kohler a mis toute son énergie, son talent et sa force de travail hors pair au service de notre projet politique et des Français," Macron stated, praising Kohler's dedication and contributions.
Emmanuel Moulin's background is impressive. He studied at prestigious institutions such as Sciences Po and the École nationale d’administration (ENA), and has held various roles that have equipped him with the skills necessary for his new position. Prior to his appointment as Secretary General, Moulin was the chief of staff to Gabriel Attal during his time as Prime Minister and served as the Director-General of the Treasury until January 2024.
His career also includes significant roles in the private sector, including positions at Eurotunnel and Citigroup. Moulin's expertise in economic matters is expected to be a valuable asset as he steps into the Secretary General role, particularly in light of France's current economic challenges.
In recent months, Kohler's departure has been anticipated, especially following reports from L'Opinion in February, which indicated he was likely to leave the Élysée for a position at Société Générale. This transition comes as Macron's administration has faced increasing scrutiny and challenges, particularly regarding public finance management.
As Kohler exits, he leaves behind a government that has seen significant changes since Macron's re-election. With the loss of an absolute majority, the Élysée has become less central to day-to-day governance, and Kohler's departure is seen as a signal of a broader shift in the administration's approach.
Observers have noted that the appointment of Moulin, who is described as "l’homme des crises," is a strategic move by Macron to ensure continuity and stability during this transitional period. His close relationship with Kohler is expected to facilitate a smooth handover of responsibilities and ongoing projects.
As the political landscape in France continues to evolve, the new Secretary General will need to navigate these changes carefully. With the next presidential election just two years away, the pressure is on for the Macron administration to demonstrate effective governance and policy-making.
In conclusion, the transition from Kohler to Moulin marks a pivotal moment for the Élysée. As Kohler moves to the private sector, his legacy will be closely examined, while Moulin's leadership will be scrutinized as he takes on one of the most critical roles in the French government.
