POLITICO: World’s richest man lobbied Macron to ditch prime minister

Bernard Arnault, one of the world’s most powerful CEOs, personally lobbied Emmanuel Macron to replace Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne with a more economically liberal figure.

In a previously unreported meeting with the French president at the Elysée Palace in early July, Arnault argued for one of the government’s other ministers to replace Borne, who is considered center-left. His first choice was Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin, who campaigned heavily for the job at the time, two senior figures with knowledge of the conversation told POLITICO.

Rumors were running wild earlier this summer that Borne, who has had a hard time rallying right-leaning MPs behind the government’s agenda, would go in a much-anticipated reshuffle ― she ended up staying with changes made at the junior ministerial level. While Darmanin did not succeed in becoming prime minister this time, it’s no secret that he’s still eyeing the position.

Arnault — who alternates with Elon Musk for the title of the world’s richest man and who runs luxury goods company LVMH — has been an open supporter of Macron and his family is close to First Lady Brigitte Macron. However, it is rare for him to comment on day-to-day politics.

Darmanin, a rising star who rose up the ranks of the conservative party Les Républicains during the Nicolas Sarkozy era, is one of Borne’s main rivals inside the government. He was on the frontline throughout the summer as the government dealt with riots following the death of 17-year-old Nahel M., who was killed by a police officer. All eyes will be on Darmanin this Sunday when he addresses supporters in his constituency in Tourcoing, northern France.

LVMH didn’t respond to a request for comment. The Elysée declined to comment on the meeting or confirm it had taken place.