Marie Barsacq has officially taken the helm as France's Sports Minister under Prime Minister François Bayrou, marking a significant moment as sports enthusiasts and stakeholders look forward to the upcoming global sporting events. Announced on December 23, her appointment has come with high expectations, especially as Paris gears up for the highly anticipated Olympic Games of 2024 and the Winter Olympics set to take place in the French Alps in 2030.
Barsacq, who turns 51 this year, is not new to the world of sports. Previously, she served as the Director of Impact and Legacy for the Paris 2024 Olympic and Paralympic organization, emphasizing her adeptness at intertwining sports with social initiatives. Her legal background and her tenure with various sports institutions, including the French National Olympic and Sports Committee (CNOSF) and the French Football Federation (FFF), equipped her with unique insights and experience relevant to her new role.
She succeeds Gil Avérous, who held the position for only three months before the government reshuffle under Barnier. Amélie Oudéa-Castéra was the minister prior, having dedicated over two years to the role and playing a pivotal part in the preparations for the Paris 2024 Olympics.
With Barsacq stepping up as the third holder of this ministerial portfolio since 2022, many are relieved to see the ministry maintain its full stature within the government. Some had speculated about the potential downgrading of the role, particularly as it was thrown under the larger umbrella of the Ministry of National Education back during 2020. Fortunately, Bayrou made the decision to empower the ministry, which indicates the significance of sports governance within the broader governmental strategy.
Barsacq’s primary directives will include continuing the legacy programs associated with the Paris Games and laying the groundwork for the 2030 Winter Olympics. This dual focus places her at the heart of pivotal upcoming global events, and her work will be watched closely by both the national and international sporting communities. She has articulated her commitment to addressing sports-related social issues, including promoting gender parity and tackling sedentary lifestyles among youth.
“We support programs leveraging sports to address various issues: gender equality, combating inactivity, and opening economic opportunities for marginalized communities,” Barsacq understood during her time at Paris 2024. This statement reflects her inclusive approach and is expected to guide her initiatives at the ministry.
Another pressing matter on her docket will be managing tensions within football stadiums, where cases of homophobic chants have become increasingly problematic. This issue draws significant public and media attention and requires Baracq’s proactive engagement with both law enforcement and sporting organizations to find constructive solutions.
Barsacq will also inherit the responsibility of managing the 2025 sports budget, which was reportedly set to face cuts under the previous administration. Such reductions have placed pressure on sporting federations and organizations across the country, raising concerns about the future of various sports programs and initiatives.
Among the urgent tasks she will face is the organizational framework for the 2030 Winter Olympics committee. The process to finalize the leadership for this committee has been delayed, with expectations of resolving these matters as early as the end of January. Stakeholders closely watch the appointment, which might likely include prominent figures such as Martin Fourcade and Michel Barnier.
Barsacq’s experience with international sporting protocols and legislation from her past roles positions her well to navigate these complex relationships and challenges. Notably, she has previously fought for daily physical activity programs aimed at schoolchildren, calling for thirty minutes of exercise each day to combat the troubling rise of inactivity and obesity.
Her extensive involvement at the CNOSF and FFF speaks to her commitment to sports development, especially concerning youth. Having worked on initiatives like training programs within the FFF and advocating for inclusivity, Barsacq enters her role with diverse insights and strategies shaped over years of service.
Despite being largely unknown to the general public before her appointment, Barsacq's capability to connect sports with broader societal issues speaks volumes about her strategic vision for the ministry. While her immediate challenges are substantial, the sporting community is largely optimistic about her ability to steer French sports through post-pandemic transitions and onto the world stage.
Marie Barsacq’s opening day as Minister will be January 3, setting the stage for her inaugural council meeting as she embarks on her strategic initiatives.
