Didier Guillaume, former Minister of Agriculture under the government of Édouard Philippe (2018-2020), died this Friday, January 17 at the age of 65. Originally from Bourg-de-Péage (Drôme), he had been hospitalized for several weeks and was suffering from a fulminating illness, according to a press release from the Principality of Monaco.
Before joining the Macronist government, Didier Guillaume made his mark on local and national politics. Mayor of Bourg-de-Péage from 1995 to 2004, he then chaired the Drôme Departmental Council until 2015. Senator from 2008 to 2018, he led the socialist group in the Senate before joining La République en Marche.
Since September 2024, Didier Guillaume has been Minister of State of the Principality of Monaco, a role equivalent to that of Prime Minister. He left his post on January 10 for health reasons. His passion for rugby and his political commitment left their mark on those who knew him.
Unanimous tributes poured in on social media. Olivier Dussopt, a former minister, expressed his sadness by saluting “a friend, a big brother”, while Clément Beaune and Roland Lescure praised “a good man”. The mayor of Romans-sur-Isère, Marie-Hélène Thoraval, recalled his love for sport.
Didier Guillaume leaves behind the memory of a committed man appreciated by all, both for his public responsibilities and for his human qualities.
