Édouard Philippe (born 28 November 1970) is a French politician, lawyer, and author. He is best known for serving as Prime Minister of France from 2017 to 2020 under President Emmanuel Macron. Since July 2020, he has been the Mayor of Le Havre, a role he previously held between 2010 and 2017. Philippe is also the founder of the Horizons party, which plays a key role in the Ensemble coalition.

With a career spanning law, politics, and public administration, Philippe has become one of the most prominent figures in French politics, often seen as a potential candidate for the 2027 French presidential election.’

Early Life and Education

Édouard Philippe was born in Rouen, France, into a family of teachers. He grew up in a left-leaning household, with roots in the dockworking profession. Philippe attended the Michelet School in Rouen and later studied at Lycée les Bruyères in Sotteville-lès-Rouen.

He obtained his baccalauréat at the École de Gaulle-Adenauer in Bonn, Germany. After completing a preparatory year in hypokhâgne, he studied at Sciences Po Paris, graduating in 1992. Philippe later joined the prestigious École nationale d’administration (ÉNA), graduating in 1997.

During his national service, he served as an artillery officer and continued in the operational reserve for several years. Initially sympathetic to the Socialist Party under Michel Rocard, Philippe shifted toward the centre-right, marking the beginning of his political transformation.

Early Career and Entry into Politics

After graduating from ENA, Philippe worked at the Council of State, specialising in public procurement law. In 2001, he joined Antoine Rufenacht, the Mayor of Le Havre, as deputy mayor in charge of legal affairs.

When the Union for a Popular Movement (UMP) was created in 2002, Philippe aligned himself with Alain Juppé, reflecting his shift toward centre-right politics. He later worked as Director of Public Affairs at Areva (2007–2010) and also practiced law with Debevoise & Plimpton.

His political career gained momentum when he became Mayor of Le Havre in 2010, following the resignation of his mentor Antoine Rufenacht. He was elected as a Member of Parliament for Seine-Maritime in 2012 and re-elected as mayor in 2014.

Prime Minister of France (2017–2020)

On 15 May 2017, President Emmanuel Macron appointed Édouard Philippe as Prime Minister of France. This move reflected Macron’s intention to bridge political divisions by appointing a figure from the centre-right.

Key Reforms and Policies

• Oversaw labour law and tax reforms to strengthen France’s pro-business environment.
• Implemented a national lockdown during the COVID-19 pandemic, making crucial decisions at the start of the crisis.
• Managed the government’s response to the Yellow Vests movement, a major social protest against fuel taxes and inequality.

During the 2017 legislative elections, Philippe led the LREM–MoDem coalition to a majority in the National Assembly. His premiership ended in July 2020 when he was succeeded by Jean Castex.

Return to Le Havre and Horizons Party

After stepping down as Prime Minister, Philippe was re-elected as Mayor of Le Havre in 2020 and became President of the Urban Community Le Havre Seine Métropole.

In 2021, he founded the Horizons party, positioning it as a centre-right force within the Ensemble coalition ahead of the 2022 legislative elections. In September 2024, Philippe officially announced his candidacy for the 2027 French presidential election.

Controversies

Like many political lengaaders, Philippe has faced scrutiny. In 2020, his home was searched as part of an investigation into the government’s handling of the COVID-19 crisis. In 2024, authorities investigated allegations of influence peddling, favouritism, and misappropriation of public funds. These cases remain under judicial review.

Personal Life

Édouard Philippe is married to Édith Chabre, Executive Director of the School of Law at Sciences Po. The couple has three children.

He is known for his beard, making him the first French Prime Minister with facial hair in decades. Philippe has openly shared his health struggles with vitiligo and alopecia areata, which have influenced his public appearance.

Outside politics, Philippe is passionate about boxing and is also an accomplished author, having co-written several political thrillers and essays.

Awards and Honours

• Grand Cross of the National Order of Merit (2017)
• Grand Officer of the Legion of Honour (2020)
• Honorary Officer of the Order of Australia (2018)
• Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of Senegal (2019)

Published Works

Édouard Philippe has co-authored novels and political essays, often with his collaborator Gilles Boyer:

• L’Heure de vérité (2007)
• Dans l’ombre (2011)
• Des hommes qui lisent (2017)
• Impressions et lignes claires (2021)

Conclusion

Édouard Philippe’s journey from a young lawyer in Rouen to Prime Minister of France highlights his adaptability, political pragmatism, and leadership skills. As the Mayor of Le Havre and founder of Horizons, Philippe remains a central figure in French politics, with his sights now set on the 2027 presidential election.