List of Prime Ministers of France

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The head of the Government of France has, since 1958, been called the Prime Minister of France.

The head of government is either the highest or second highest official in the executive branch of a sovereign state, a federated state, or a self-governing colony, who often presides over a cabinet, a group of ministers or secretaries who lead executive departments. "Head of government" is often differentiated from "head of state", as they may be separate positions, individuals, or roles depending on the country.

Government of France body exerting the executive power in France

The Government of the French Republic exercises executive power in France. It is composed of the Prime Minister, who is the head of government, and both junior and senior ministers. Senior ministers are titled as Ministers, whereas junior ministers are titled as Secretaries of State.

Prime Minister of France head of government and of the Council of Ministers of France

The Prime Minister of the French Republic in the Fifth Republic is the head of government. During the Third and Fourth Republics, the head of government was formally called President of the Council of Ministers, generally shortened to President of the Council. Most non-French sources referred to the post as "prime minister" or "premier." The title "Prime Minister" became official with the founding of the Fifth Republic.

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During earlier periods of French history the French head of government was known by different titles. As was common in European democracies of the period, between 1815 and 1958 (the Bourbon and July monarchies, the Second, Third and Fourth Republics, and the Vichy regime), the Head of Government was called President of the Council of Ministers (Président du Conseil des Ministres), generally shortened to President of the Council (Président du Conseil). This should not be confused with the office of the President of the Republic and other heads of state: the term 'president' was used for multiple senior political offices.

The first written records for the history of France appeared in the Iron Age. What is now France made up the bulk of the region known to the Romans as Gaul. Roman writers noted the presence of three main ethno-linguistic groups in the area: the Gauls, the Aquitani, and the Belgae. The Gauls, the largest and best attested group, were Celtic people speaking what is known as the Gaulish language.

Bourbon Restoration Period of French history, 1814-1830

The Bourbon Restoration was the period of French history following the first fall of Napoleon in 1814, and his final defeat in the Hundred Days in 1815, until the July Revolution of 1830. The brothers of the executed Louis XVI came to power and reigned in highly conservative fashion. Exiled supporters of the monarchy returned to France. They were nonetheless unable to reverse most of the changes made by the French Revolution and Napoleon. At the Congress of Vienna they were treated respectfully, but had to give up nearly all the territorial gains made since 1789.

July Monarchy kingdom governing France, 1830-1848

The July Monarchy was a liberal constitutional monarchy in France under Louis Philippe I, starting with the July Revolution of 1830 and ending with the Revolution of 1848. It marks the end of the Bourbon Restoration (1814–1830). It began with the overthrow of the conservative government of Charles X, the last king of the House of Bourbon.

Kingdom of France (843–1792)

Under the Kingdom of France, there was no official title for the leader of the government. The chief ministers (principal ministres) of certain kings of France nonetheless led the government de facto.

Kingdom of France kingdom in Western Europe from 843 to 1791

The Kingdom of France was a medieval and early modern monarchy in Western Europe. It was among the most powerful states in Europe and a great power since the Late Middle Ages and the Hundred Years' War. It was also an early colonial power, with possessions around the world.

PortraitName
(Birth–Death)
Took officeLeft office King
(Reign)
Maximilien-de-Sully.jpg Maximilien de Béthune, Duke of Sully
(1560–1641)
2 August 158929 January 1611 Henry IV
King Henry IV of France.jpg
(1589–1610)
De Neufville2.jpg Nicolas de Neufville, seigneur de Villeroy
(1543–1617)
16111614 Louis XIII
Louis XIII (de Champaigne).jpg
(1610–1643)
Concino-Concini.jpg Concino Concini
(1575–1617)
161624 April 1617
(Died in office)
Cardinal de Richelieu mg 0052.jpg Cardinal Armand Jean du Plessis, Duke of Richelieu and of Fronsac
(1585–1642)
12 August 16244 December 1642
(Died in office)
Mazarin-mignard.jpg Cardinal Jules Raymond Mazarin
(1602–1661)
4 December 16429 March 1661
(Died in office)
Louis XIV
LouisXIVRigaud.JPG
(1643–1715)
Position vacant
(absolute rule by Louis XIV)
9 March 16611 September 1715
Guillaume Dubois.PNG Cardinal Guillaume Dubois
(1656–1723)
c. 171510 August 1723
(Died in office)
Louis XV
Louis XV by Maurice-Quentin de La Tour.jpg
(1715–1774)
Philippe d'Orleans, regent, et Marie Madeleine de la Vieuville, Comtesse de Parabere (Jean-Baptiste Santerre).jpg Philippe II, Duke of Orléans
(1674–1723)
10 August 17232 December 1723
(Died in office)
Louis IV Henri de Bourbon-Conde.jpg Louis Henri, Duke of Bourbon
(1692–1740)
2 December 172311 June 1726
Cardinal de Fleury by Rigaud.jpg Cardinal André-Hercule de Fleury
(1653–1743)
11 June 172629 January 1743
(Died in office)
Position vacant
(absolute rule by Louis XV)
29 January 17433 December 1758
Choiseul, Etienne Francois duc de.jpg Étienne François de Choiseul, Duke of Choiseul
(1719–1785)
3 December 175824 December 1770
Rene-Augustin de Maupeou.PNG René Nicolas Charles Augustin de Maupeou
(1714–1792)
24 December 177014 May 1774
Jean Frederic Phelypeaux Count of Maurepas.PNG Jean-Frédéric Phélypeaux, comte de Maurepas
(1701–1781)
14 May 177421 November 1781
(Died in office)
Louis XVI
Louis XVI of France.jpg
(1774–1792)
Charles Gravier, Comte de Vergennes.jpg Charles Gravier, comte de Vergennes
(1717–1787)
21 November 178113 February 1787
(Died in office)
Etienne Charles de Lomenie de Brienne.PNG Archbishop Étienne Charles de Loménie de Brienne
(1727–1794)
1 May 178725 August 1788
Necker, Jacques - Duplessis.jpg Jacques Necker
(1732–1804)
25 August 178811 July 1789
Baron de Breteuil.jpg Louis Auguste Le Tonnelier de Breteuil
(1730–1807)
11 July 178916 July 1789
Necker, Jacques - Duplessis.jpg Jacques Necker
(1732–1804)
16 July 17893 September 1790
Armand-Marc Comte de MONTMORIN-SAINT-HEREM.jpg Armand Marc, comte de Montmorin
(1745–1792)
3 September 179029 November 1791

First French Republic (1792–1804)

During the First Republic, the arrangements for governance changed frequently:

National Convention Single-chamber assembly in France from 21 September 1792 to 26 October 1795

The National Convention was the first government of the French Revolution, following the two-year National Constituent Assembly and the one-year Legislative Assembly. Created after the great insurrection of 10 August 1792, it was the first French government organized as a republic, abandoning the monarchy altogether. The Convention sat as a single-chamber assembly from 20 September 1792 to 26 October 1795.

Maximilien Robespierre French revolutionary lawyer and politician

Maximilien François Marie Isidore de Robespierre was a French lawyer and politician, as well as one of the best known and most influential figures associated with the French Revolution. As a member of the Constituent Assembly and the Jacobin Club, he campaigned for universal manhood suffrage, and the abolition of both celibacy for the clergy and of slavery. Robespierre was an outspoken advocate for the citizens without a voice, for their unrestricted admission to the National Guard, to public offices, and for the right to carry arms in self-defence. Robespierre played an important part in the agitation which brought about the fall of the French monarchy in August 1792 and the summoning of a National Convention.

Committee of Public Safety De facto executive government in France (1793–1794)

The Committee of Public Safety, created in April 1793 by the National Convention and then restructured in July 1793, formed the de facto executive government in France during the Reign of Terror (1793–1794), a stage of the French Revolution. The Committee of Public Safety succeeded the previous Committee of General Defence and assumed its role of protecting the newly established republic against foreign attacks and internal rebellion. As a wartime measure, the Committee—composed at first of nine and later of twelve members—was given broad supervisory powers over military, judicial and legislative efforts. It was formed as an administrative body to supervise and expedite the work of the executive bodies of the Convention and of the government ministers appointed by the Convention. As the Committee tried to meet the dangers of a coalition of European nations and counter-revolutionary forces within the country, it became more and more powerful.

There was no individual head of government.

First French Empire (1804–1814)

As Emperor, Napoleon was both head of state and head of government.

Napoleon 19th century French military leader and politician

Napoleon Bonaparte was a French statesman and military leader of Italian descent who rose to prominence during the French Revolution and led several successful campaigns during the French Revolutionary Wars. He was Emperor of the French as Napoleon I from 1804 until 1814 and again briefly in 1815 during the Hundred Days. Napoleon dominated European and global affairs for more than a decade while leading France against a series of coalitions in the Napoleonic Wars. He won most of these wars and the vast majority of his battles, building a large empire that ruled over much of continental Europe before its final collapse in 1815. He is considered one of the greatest commanders in history, and his wars and campaigns are studied at military schools worldwide. Napoleon's political and cultural legacy has endured as one of the most celebrated and controversial leaders in human history.

PortraitNameTerm of officePolitical Party Emperor
(Reign)
Napoleon Paul Delaroche.jpg Position vacant
(absolute rule by Napoleon I)
1 18 May 18041 April 1814 Bonapartist Napoleon I
Napoleon Paul Delaroche.jpg
(1804–1814)

First Restoration (1814–1815)

PortraitNameTerm of officePolitical Party King
(Reign)
Talleyrand 01.jpg Charles Maurice de Talleyrand-Périgord
(1754–1838)
(as President of the Council)
1 1 April 181413 May 1814 Independent Louis XVIII
Louis XVIII of France.png
(1814–1815)
Charles Maurice de Talleyrand-Périgord
(1754–1838)
(as Foreign Minister)
2 13 May 181419 March 1815

Hundred Days (1815)

As Emperor, Napoleon was both head of state and head of government. Upon Napoleon's abdication, his son Napoleon II was named Emperor. This rule was nominal, and Napoleon II remained in Austria throughout his nominal reign.

PortraitNameTerm of officePolitical Party Emperor
(Reign)
Napoleon Paul Delaroche.jpg Position vacant
(absolute rule by Napoleon I)
2 20 March 181522 June 1815 Bonapartist Napoleon I
Napoleon Paul Delaroche.jpg
(1815)
Joseph Fouche.png Joseph Fouché
(1759–1820)
(as President of the Executive Commission)
22 June 18157 July 1815 Independent Napoleon II
80 Napoleon II.jpg
(1815)

Bourbon Restoration (1815–1830)

Presidents of the Council of Ministers

Political parties

   Independent
   Ultra-royalists
   Doctrinaires

PortraitName
(Birth–Death)
Term of officePolitical PartyLegislature
(Election)
King
(Reign)
Talleyrand 01.jpg Charles Maurice de Talleyrand-Périgord
(1754–1838)
9 July 181526 September 1815 Independent I (1815) Louis XVIII
Louis XVIII of France.png
(1815–1824)
Armand Emmanuel Duke of Richelieu.jpg Armand-Emmanuel de Vignerot du Plessis, Duc de Richelieu
(1766–1822)
1 26 September 181529 December 1818 Independent
AduC 218 Dessoles (J.J.P.A., marquis, 1767-1828).jpg Jean-Joseph, Marquis Dessolles
(1767–1828)
29 December 181819 November 1819 Doctrinaires II (1816)
Elie, comte Decazes.jpg Élie Decazes, duc de Glücksbierg and Decazes
(1780–1860)
19 November 181920 February 1820 Doctrinaires
Armand Emmanuel Duke of Richelieu.jpg Armand-Emmanuel de Vignerot du Plessis, Duc de Richelieu
(1766–1822)
2 20 February 182014 December 1821 Doctrinaires III (1820)
Villele.jpg Jean-Baptiste de Villèle
(1773–1854)
14 December 18214 January 1828 Ultra-royalist
IV (1824) Charles X
Franque - Charles X, roi des Francais.jpg
(1824–1830)
Jean Baptiste Gay, vicomte de Martignac
(1778–1832)
4 January 18288 August 1829 Doctrinaires V (1827)
Jules Armand de Polignac 1780-1847.JPG Jules de Polignac, duc de Polignac
(1780–1847)
8 August 182929 July 1830 Ultra-royalist
Casimir-de-rochechouart.jpg Casimir de Rochechouart, duc de Mortemart
(1787–1875)
29 July 1830 Ultra-royalist

July Monarchy (1830–1848)

Presidents of the Council of Ministers

Political parties

   Independent
   Orléanist
   Doctrinaires/Movement Party
   Resistance Party

PortraitName
(Birth–Death)
Term of officePolitical PartyLegislature
(Election)
King
(Reign)
Position vacant
(government led by
Louis Philippe I)
0 1 August 18302 November 1830( Orléanist )I (1830) Louis Philippe I
Lodewijk Filips als kniestuk.jpg
(1830–1848)
1
Jacques Laffitte.jpg Jacques Laffitte
(1767–1844)
2 November 183013 March 1831 Orléanist
Perier, Casimir - 1.jpg Casimir Pierre Périer
(1777–1832)
13 March 183116 May 1832 Resistance Party II (1831)
Soult2.jpg Jean-de-Dieu Soult
(1769–1851)
1 11 October 183218 July 1834 Orléanist
David Etienne Maurice Gerard (detail).jpg Étienne Maurice Gérard
(1773–1852)
18 July 183410 November 1834 Independent III (1834)
Maret, Hugues-Bernard.jpg Hugues-Bernard Maret
(1763–1839)
10 November 183418 November 1834 Independent
Dubufe - Marshal Mortier.jpg Édouard Mortier
(1768–1835)
18 November 183412 March 1835 Resistance Party
Victor, 3rd duc de Broglie.jpg Victor de Broglie
(1785–1870)
12 March 183522 February 1836 Resistance Party
Adolphe Thiers Nadar 2.JPG Adolphe Thiers
(1797–1877)
1 22 February 18366 September 1836 Movement Party
Mathieu-Louis Mole.JPG Louis-Mathieu Molé
(1781–1855)
1 6 September 183631 March 1839 Resistance Party
2 IV (1837)
Position vacant
(government led by
Louis Philippe I)
2 31 March 183912 May 1839( Orléanist )
Soult2.jpg Jean-de-Dieu Soult
(1769–1851)
2 12 May 18391 March 1840 Resistance Party V (1839)
Adolphe Thiers Nadar 2.JPG Adolphe Thiers
(1797–1877)
2 1 March 184029 October 1840 Movement Party
Soult2.jpg Jean-de-Dieu Soult
(1769–1851)
3 29 October 184019 September 1847 Resistance Party VI (1842)
Guizot3.jpg François Guizot
(1787–1874)
19 September 184723 February 1848 Resistance Party VII (1846)
Mathieu-Louis Mole.JPG Louis-Mathieu Molé
(1781–1855)
23 February 184824 February 1848 Resistance Party

Second French Republic (1848–1852)

Presidents of the Council of Ministers

Political parties

   Moderate Republican
   Party of Order
   Bonapartist

PortraitName
(Birth–Death)
Term of officePolitical PartyLegislature
(Election)
President
(Term)
1 Dupont de l'Eure 1843.jpg Jacques-Charles Dupont de l'Eure
(1767–1855)
24 February 18489 May 1848 Moderate Republican Const.
(1848)
Himself
de facto
(Provisional)
2 Francois Arago.jpg François Arago
(1786–1853)
10 May 184824 June 1848 Moderate Republican Executive Commission
3 Cavaignac par A. Rousseau.JPG Louis-Eugène Cavaignac
(1802–1857)
28 June 184820 December 1848 Moderate Republican Himself
de facto
(Martial Law)
4 Odilon Barrot.jpg Odilon Barrot
(1791–1873)
1 20 December 184831 October 1849 Party of Order 1 Louis-Napoléon Bonaparte
Napoleon III, 1865.jpg
(1848–1852)
2 Leg.
(1849)
5 No image.svg Alphonse Henri, comte d'Hautpoul
(1789–1865)
31 October 184924 January 1851 Party of Order
Position vacant
(government led by
Louis-Napoléon Bonaparte)
24 January 185110 April 1851( Bonapartist )
6 Leon Faucher.JPG Léon Faucher
(1803–1854)
10 April 185126 October 1851 Party of Order
Position vacant
(government led by
Louis-Napoléon Bonaparte)
0 26 October 18512 December 1852( Bonapartist )
1
2

Second French Empire (1852–1870)

Cabinet Chiefs

Political parties

   Independent
   Bonapartist
   Liberal Bonapartist

PortraitName
(Birth–Death)
Term of officePolitical PartyLegislature
(Election)
Emperor
(Reign)
Position vacant
(absolute rule by Napoleon III)
3 2 December 185227 December 1869(Bonapartist)I (1852) Napoleon III
Franz Xaver Winterhalter (workshop) Napoleon III.jpg
(1852–1870)
II (1857)
III (1863)
4 IV (1869)
Emile Ollivier by Pierre-Louis Pierson, 1870.png Émile Ollivier
(1825–1913)
2 January 18709 August 1870 Liberal Bonapartist
Palikao.jpg Charles Cousin-Montauban
(1796–1878)
9 August 18704 September 1870 Independent

Third French Republic (1870–1940)

President of the Government of National Defense

PortraitName
(Birth–Death)
Term of officePolitical PartyLegislature
(Election)
Louis Jules Trochu.jpg Louis-Jules Trochu
(1815–1896)
4 September 187022 January 1871 Military None

Presidents of the Council of Ministers

Political Parties

   Independent
   Monarchists (Legitimist/Orleanist)
   Republican Left/Democratic Union
   Republican Union
   Radical-Socialist Party
   Liberal Republican Union
   Democratic Republican Alliance
   Republican-Socialist Party
   French Section of the Workers' International

PortraitName
(Birth–Death)
Term of officePolitical Party
(Political Coalition)
Legislature
(Election)
President
(Term)
6 D327 12photoAppertCOR.jpg Jules Armand Dufaure
(1798–1881)
1 19 February 187124 May 1873 Independent National Assembly (1871)2 Adolphe Thiers
Adolphe Thiers Nadar 2.JPG
(1871–1873)
2
7 Albert, duc de Broglie
(1821–1901)
1 25 May 187322 May 1874 Monarchist 3 Patrice de Mac Mahon
Patrice de MacMahon crop.jpg
(1873–1879)
2
8 Cissey.jpg Ernest Courtot de Cissey
(1810–1882)
22 May 187410 March 1875 Monarchist
9 Buffet.jpg Louis Buffet
(1818–1898)
10 March 187523 February 1876 Monarchist
6 D327 12photoAppertCOR.jpg Jules Armand Dufaure
(1798–1881)
3 23 February 187612 December 1876 Republican Left
4
10 Jules Simon - photoglyptie.jpg Jules Simon
(1814–1896)
12 December 187617 May 1877 Republican Left I (1876)
7 Albert, duc de Broglie
(1821–1901)
3 17 May 187723 November 1877 Monarchist
11 Rochebouet.jpg Gaëtan de Rochebouët
(1813–1899)
23 November 187713 December 1877 Monarchist II (1877)
6 D327 12photoAppertCOR.jpg Jules Armand Dufaure
(1798–1881)
5 13 December 18774 February 1879 Republican Left
12 Waddington.jpg William Waddington
(1826–1894)
4 February 187928 December 1879 Republican Left 4 Jules Grévy
Bonnat Portrait of Jules Grevy cropped.jpg
(1879–1887)
13 Photo of Charles de Freycinet.jpg Charles de Freycinet
(1828–1923)
1 28 December 187923 September 1880 Republican Union
14 Julesferry.jpg Jules Ferry
(1832–1893)
1 23 September 188014 November 1881 Republican Left
15 Leon Gambetta 1870 Nadar.jpg Léon Gambetta
(1838–1882)
14 November 188130 January 1882 Republican Union III (1881)
13 Photo of Charles de Freycinet.jpg Charles de Freycinet
(1828–1923)
2 30 January 18827 August 1882 Republican Union
16 Duclerc.jpg Charles Duclerc
(1812–1888)
7 August 188229 January 1883 Republican Left
17 Armand Fallieres 2.jpg Armand Fallières
(1841–1931)
29 January 188321 February 1883 Republican Left
14 Julesferry.jpg Jules Ferry
(1832–1893)
2 21 February 18836 April 1885 Republican Left
18 Henri Brisson.jpg Henri Brisson
(1835–1912)
1 6 April 18857 January 1886 Democratic Union
13 Photo of Charles de Freycinet.jpg Charles de Freycinet
(1828–1923)
3 7 January 188616 December 1886 Democratic Union IV (1885)
19 Goblet.jpg René Goblet
(1828–1905)
16 December 188630 May 1887 Radical Republican
20 Rouvier.jpg Maurice Rouvier
(1842–1911)
1 30 May 188712 December 1887 Democratic Union
21 Tirard.jpg Pierre Tirard
(1827–1893)
1 12 December 18873 April 1888 Democratic Union 5 Marie François Sadi Carnot
Marie Francois Sadi Carnot.jpg
(1887–1894)
22 Floquet.jpg Charles Floquet
(1828–1896)
3 April 188822 February 1889 Democratic Union
21 Tirard.jpg Pierre Tirard
(1827–1893)
2 22 February 188917 March 1890 Democratic Union
13 Photo of Charles de Freycinet.jpg Charles de Freycinet
(1828–1923)
4 17 March 189027 February 1892 Democratic Union V (1889)
23 Emile Loubet by Paul Nadar c1900.jpg Émile Loubet
(1838–1929)
27 February 18926 December 1892 Democratic Union
24 Alexandre Ribot 1913.jpg Alexandre Ribot
(1842–1923)
1 6 December 18924 April 1893 Liberal Republican Union
2
25 Dupuy.jpg Charles Dupuy
(1851–1923)
1 4 April 18933 December 1893 Liberal Republican Union
26 Jean Casimir-Perier.jpg Jean Casimir-Perier
(1847–1907)
3 December 189330 May 1894 Democratic Union VI (1893)
25 Dupuy.jpg Charles Dupuy
(1851–1923)
2 30 May 189426 January 1895 Liberal Republican Union
3 6 Jean Casimir-Perier
Jean Casimir-Perier.jpg
(1894–1895)
24 Alexandre Ribot 1913.jpg Alexandre Ribot
(1842–1923)
3 26 January 18951 November 1895 Liberal Republican Union 7 Félix Faure
Felix Faure.jpg
(1895–1899)
27 Bourgeoi.jpg Léon Bourgeois
(1851–1925)
1 November 189529 April 1896 Radical Republican
28 Meline.jpg Jules Méline
(1838–1925)
29 April 189628 June 1898 Liberal Republican Union
18 Henri Brisson.jpg Henri Brisson
(1835–1912)
2 28 June 18981 November 1898 Radical Republicans VII (1898)
25 Dupuy.jpg Charles Dupuy
(1851–1923)
4 1 November 189822 June 1899 Liberal Republican Union
5 Émile Loubet
Emile Loubet by Paul Nadar c1900.jpg
(1899–1906)
29 Waldeck-Rousseau (Nadar).jpg Pierre Waldeck-Rousseau
(1846–1904)
22 June 18997 June 1902 Democratic Union 8
30 Emile Combes (1835-1921).jpg Émile Combes
(1835–1921)
7 June 190224 January 1905 Radical-Socialist Party
( Bloc des gauches )
VIII (1902)
20 Rouvier.jpg Maurice Rouvier
(1842–1911)
2 24 January 190512 March 1906 Democratic Republican Alliance
3 9 Armand Fallières
Picture of Clement Armand Fallieres.jpg
(1906–1913)
31 Sarrien.jpg Ferdinand Sarrien
(1840–1915)
12 March 190625 October 1906Radical-Socialist Party
32 Georges Clemenceau Imag1396.jpg Georges Clemenceau
(1841–1929)
1 25 October 190624 July 1909 Independent IX (1906)
33 Aristide Briand 2.jpg Aristide Briand
(1862–1932)
1 24 July 19092 March 1911 Republican-Socialist Party
2
34 Monis.jpg Ernest Monis
(1846–1929)
2 March 191127 June 1911Radical-Socialist PartyX (1910)
35 Caillaux.jpg Joseph Caillaux
(1863–1944)
27 June 191121 January 1912Radical-Socialist Party
36 Poincare larger.jpg Raymond Poincaré
(1860–1934)
1 21 January 191221 January 1913 Republican Democratic Party
33 Aristide Briand 2.jpg Aristide Briand
(1862–1932)
3 21 January 191322 March 1913 Republican-Socialist Party
4 10 Raymond Poincaré
Raymond Poincare 1914.jpg
(1913–1920)
37 Louis Barthou 01.jpg Louis Barthou
(1862–1934)
22 March 19139 December 1913 Republican Democratic Party
38 Gaston Doumergue 2.jpg Gaston Doumergue
(1863–1937)
1 9 December 19139 June 1914Radical-Socialist Party
24 Alexandre Ribot 1913.jpg Alexandre Ribot
(1842–1923)
4 9 June 191413 June 1914 Republican Democratic Party XI (1914)
39 Viviani 1912.jpg René Viviani
(1863–1925)
1 13 June 191429 October 1915 Republican-Socialist Party
2
33 Aristide Briand 2.jpg Aristide Briand
(1862–1932)
5 29 October 191520 March 1917 Republican-Socialist Party
6
24 Alexandre Ribot 1913.jpg Alexandre Ribot
(1842–1923)
5 20 March 191712 September 1917 Republican Democratic Party
40 Paul Painleve 01.jpg Paul Painlevé
(1863–1933)
1 12 September 191716 November 1917 Republican-Socialist Party
32 Georges Clemenceau Imag1396.jpg Georges Clemenceau
(1841–1929)
2 16 November 191720 January 1920 Independent
41 Alexandre Millerand, 12e president de la Republique francaise.jpg Alexandre Millerand
(1859–1943)
1 20 January 192024 September 1920 Independent
( National Bloc )
XII (1919)
2 11 Paul Deschanel
Paul Deschanel 01.jpg
(1920)
42 Georges Leygues 01.jpg Georges Leygues
(1857–1933)
24 September 192016 January 1921 Republican, Democratic and Social Party
( National Bloc )
12 Alexandre Millerand
Alexandre Millerand, 12e president de la Republique francaise.jpg
(1920–1924)
33 Aristide Briand 2.jpg Aristide Briand
(1862–1932)
7 16 January 192115 January 1922 Republican-Socialist Party
36 Poincare larger.jpg Raymond Poincaré
(1860–1934)
2 15 January 19228 June 1924 Republican, Democratic and Social Party
( National Bloc )
3
43 Frederic Francois-Marsal 1920 (2).jpg Frédéric François-Marsal
(1874–1958)
8 June 192415 June 1924 Independent
( National Bloc )
XIII (1924)
45 Edouard Herriot 01.jpg Édouard Herriot
(1872–1957)
1 15 June 192417 April 1925Radical-Socialist Party
( Cartel des Gauches )
13 Gaston Doumergue
Gaston Doumergue 1924 crop.jpg
(1924–1931)
40 Paul Painleve 01.jpg Paul Painlevé
(1863–1933)
2 17 April 192528 November 1925 Republican-Socialist Party
( Cartel des Gauches )
3
33 Aristide Briand 2.jpg Aristide Briand
(1862–1932)
8 28 November 192520 July 1926 Republican-Socialist Party
( Cartel des Gauches )
9
10
45 Edouard Herriot 01.jpg Édouard Herriot
(1872–1957)
2 20 July 192623 July 1926Radical-Socialist Party
( Cartel des Gauches )
36 Poincare larger.jpg Raymond Poincaré
(1860–1934)
4 23 July 192629 July 1929 Democratic Alliance
(National Union)
5
33 Aristide Briand 2.jpg Aristide Briand
(1862–1932)
11 29 July 19292 November 1929 Republican-Socialist Party XIV (1928)
46 Andre Tardieu 1928.jpg André Tardieu
(1876–1945)
1 2 November 192921 February 1930 Democratic Alliance
47 Chautemps 1925.jpg Camille Chautemps
(1885–1963)
1 21 February 19302 March 1930Radical-Socialist Party
46 Andre Tardieu 1928.jpg André Tardieu
(1876–1945)
2 2 March 193013 December 1930 Democratic Alliance
48 Theodore Steeg 1926.jpg Théodore Steeg
(1868–1950)
13 December 193027 January 1931Radical-Socialist Party
49 Laval 1931.jpg Pierre Laval
(1883–1945)
1 27 January 193120 February 1932 Independent
( National Bloc )
2 14 Paul Doumer
Paul Doumer 1931.jpg
(1931–1932)
3
46 Andre Tardieu 1928.jpg André Tardieu
(1876–1945)
3 20 February 19323 June 1932 Democratic Alliance
45 Edouard Herriot 01.jpg Édouard Herriot
(1872–1957)
3 3 June 193218 December 1932Radical-Socialist Party
( Cartel des Gauches )
XV (1932)15 Albert Lebrun
Albert Lebrun 1932 (2).jpg
(1932–1940)
50 Joseph Paul-Boncour 1923.jpg Joseph Paul-Boncour
(1873–1972)
18 December 193231 January 1933 Republican-Socialist Party
( Cartel des Gauches )
51 Daladier.jpg Édouard Daladier
(1884–1970)
1 31 January 193326 October 1933Radical-Socialist Party
( Cartel des Gauches )
52 Albert Sarraut.png Albert Sarraut
(1872–1962)
1 26 October 193326 November 1933Radical-Socialist Party
( Cartel des Gauches )
47 Chautemps 1925.jpg Camille Chautemps
(1885–1963)
2 26 November 193330 January 1934Radical-Socialist Party
( Cartel des Gauches )
51 Daladier.jpg Édouard Daladier
(1884–1970)
2 30 January 19349 February 1934Radical-Socialist Party
( Cartel des Gauches )
38 Gaston Doumergue 2.jpg Gaston Doumergue
(1863–1937)
2 9 February 19348 November 1934Radical-Socialist Party
(Government of National Union)
53 Pierre-Etienne Flandin - 1931.jpg Pierre-Étienne Flandin
(1889–1958)
1 8 November 19341 June 1935 Democratic Alliance
54 Fernand Bouisson.jpg Fernand Bouisson
(1874–1959)
1 June 19357 June 1935 Republican-Socialist Party
49 Laval 1931.jpg Pierre Laval
(1883–1945)
4 7 June 193524 January 1936 Independent
( National Bloc )
52 Albert Sarraut.png Albert Sarraut
(1872–1962)
2 24 January 19364 June 1936Radical-Socialist Party
55 Leon Blum, Meurisse, 1927.jpg Léon Blum
(1872–1950)
1 4 June 193622 June 1937 French Section of the Workers' International
( Popular Front )
XVI (1936)
47 Chautemps 1925.jpg Camille Chautemps
(1885–1963)
3 22 June 193713 March 1938Radical-Socialist Party
( Popular Front )
4
55 Leon Blum, Meurisse, 1927.jpg Léon Blum
(1872–1950)
2 13 March 193810 April 1938 French Section of the Workers' International
( Popular Front )
51 Daladier.jpg Édouard Daladier
(1884–1970)
3 10 April 193821 March 1940Radical-Socialist Party
4
5
56 Paul Reynaud 1933.jpg Paul Reynaud
(1878–1966)
21 March 194016 June 1940 Democratic Alliance
57 Philippe Petain (en civil, autour de 1930).jpg Philippe Pétain
(1856–1951)
16 June 194011 July 1940 Independent

Vichy France (1940–1945)

Presidents and Vice Presidents of the Council of Ministers, President of the French Governmental Commission

Political party

   Vichy

PortraitPresidentVice PresidentTerm of office
Bundesarchiv Bild 183-H25217, Petain, edit-1.jpg Philippe Pétain Pierre Laval 5 11 July 194013 December 1940
Pierre-Étienne Flandin 2 13 December 19409 February 1941
François Darlan 9 February 194118 April 1942
Laval-shot0038 cropped.png Pierre Laval Position abolished 6 18 April 194220 August 1944
Fernand de Brinon.jpg Fernand de Brinon 25 August 194422 April 1945

Provisional Government of the French Republic (1944–1946)

Chairmen of the Provisional Government

Political parties

  Independent
   French Section of the Workers' International
   Popular Republican Movement

PortraitName
(Birth–Death)
Term of officePolitical Party
(Political Coalition)
Legislature
(Election)
59 De Gaulle-OWI.jpg Charles de Gaulle
(1890–1970)
1 20 August 194426 January 1946 Independent Provisional
2 I (1945)
60 Felix Gouin depute SFIO 1936.jpg Félix Gouin
(1884–1977)
26 January 194624 June 1946 French Section of the Workers' International
( Tripartisme )
61 Georges Bidault.jpg Georges Bidault
(1899–1983)
1 24 June 194628 November 1946 Popular Republican Movement
( Tripartisme )
II (June 1946)
VincentAuriol.png Vincent Auriol
(1884–1966)
(interim)
28 November 194616 December 1946 French Section of the Workers' International
( Tripartisme )
IV Rep.
I (Nov.1946)
62 Leon Blum, Meurisse, 1927.jpg Léon Blum
(1872–1950)
3 16 December 194622 January 1947 French Section of the Workers' International
( Tripartisme )

Fourth French Republic (1946–1958)

Presidents of the Council of Ministers

Political parties

   French Section of the Workers' International
   Radical Party
   Democratic and Socialist Union of the Resistance
   Popular Republican Movement
   National Centre of Independents and Peasants
   Union for the New Republic

PortraitName
(Birth–Death)
Term of officePolitical Party
(Political Coalition)
Legislature
(Election)
President
(Term)
63 Paul Ramadier.jpg Paul Ramadier
(1888–1961)
1 22 January 194724 November 1947 French Section of the Workers' International
( Tripartisme )
I (Nov.1946)16 Vincent Auriol
VincentAuriol.png
(1947–1954)
2
65 Bundesarchiv Bild 183-19000-2453, Robert Schuman.jpg Robert Schuman
(1886–1963)
1 24 November 194724 July 1948 Popular Republican Movement
(Third Force)
66 Armoiries republique francaise.svg André Marie
(1897–1974)
24 July 19482 September 1948 Radical Party
(Third Force)
65 Bundesarchiv Bild 183-19000-2453, Robert Schuman.jpg Robert Schuman
(1886–1963)
2 2 September 194811 September 1948 Popular Republican Movement
(Third Force)
67 Henri Queuille 1929.jpg Henri Queuille
(1884–1970)
1 11 September 194828 October 1949 Radical Party
(Third Force)
61 Georges Bidault.jpg Georges Bidault
(1899–1983)
2 28 October 19492 July 1950 Popular Republican Movement
(Third Force)
3
67 Henri Queuille 1929.jpg Henri Queuille
(1884–1970)
2 2 July 195012 July 1950 Radical Party
(Third Force)
68 Rene Pleven.jpg René Pleven
(1901–1993)
1 12 July 195010 March 1951 Democratic and Socialist Union of the Resistance
(Third Force)
67 Henri Queuille 1929.jpg Henri Queuille
(1884–1970)
3 10 March 195111 August 1951 Radical Party
(Third Force)
68 Rene Pleven.jpg René Pleven
(1901–1993)
2 11 August 195120 January 1952 Democratic and Socialist Union of the Resistance
(Third Force)
II (1951)
69 Edgar Faure 1955.jpg Edgar Faure
(1908–1988)
1 20 January 19528 March 1952 Radical Party
70 Antoine Pinay 1969.jpg Antoine Pinay
(1891–1994)
8 March 19528 January 1953 National Centre of Independents and Peasants
71 Rene Mayer.jpg René Mayer
(1895–1972)
8 January 195328 June 1953 Radical Party
72 Joseph Laniel.PNG Joseph Laniel
(1889–1975)
1 28 June 195319 June 1954 National Centre of Independents and Peasants
2 17 René Coty
Rene Coty-1929.jpg
(1954–1959)
73 Pierre Mendes-France 1932.jpg Pierre Mendès France
(1907–1982)
19 June 195417 February 1955 Radical Party
74 Christian Pineau.jpg Christian Pineau
(1904–1995)
Acting
17 February 195523 February 1955 French Section of the Workers International
69 Edgar Faure.jpg Edgar Faure
(1908–1988)
2 23 February 19551 February 1956 Radical Party
(Republican Front)
75 Guy Mollet Archief.PNG Guy Mollet
(1905–1975)
1 February 195613 June 1957 French Section of the Workers' International
(Republican Front)
III (1956)
76 Bourges-Maunoury small.jpg Maurice Bourgès-Maunoury
(1914–1993)
13 June 19576 November 1957 Radical Party
(Republican Front)
77 Armoiries republique francaise.svg Félix Gaillard
(1919–1970)
6 November 195714 May 1958 Radical Party
(Republican Front)
78 Pierre Pflimlin - 16 mai 1958.jpg Pierre Pflimlin
(1907–2000)
14 May 19581 June 1958 Popular Republican Movement
59 Charles de Gaulle-1963.jpg Charles de Gaulle
(1890–1970)
3 1 June 19588 January 1959 Union for the New Republic

Fifth French Republic (1958–present)

This was the first time when the term Prime Minister was used, rather than President of the Council of Ministers, reflecting the new power-sharing with the President of the Republic, who had before then been only head of state but not head of government.

Prime Ministers

Political parties

   Independent
   Gaullist (UNR/UDR/RPR)
  Centrist (REM)
   Liberal-centrist (PR/UDF)
   Socialist
   Neo-Gaullist (UMP/LR)

PortraitName
(Birth–Death)
Term of officePolitical Party
(Political Coalition)
Legislature
(Election)
President
(Term)
79 Michel Debre.jpg Michel Debré
(1912–1996)
8 January 195914 April 1962 Union for the New Republic I (1958)18 Charles de Gaulle
Charles de Gaulle 1967.jpg
(1959–1969)
80 Georges Pompidou - Bundesarchiv B 145 Bild-F020538-0006 (cropped).jpg Georges Pompidou
(1911–1974)
1 14 April 19627 December 1962
2 7 December 19628 January 1966II (1962)
3 8 January 19661 April 1967
4 5 April 196710 July 1968III (1967)
81 Maurice Couve de Murville.jpg Maurice Couve de Murville
(1907–1999)
10 July 196820 June 1969 Union of Democrats for the Republic IV (1968)
82 Jacques Chaban-Delmas-1 (cropped).jpg Jacques Chaban-Delmas
(1915–2000)
20 June 19696 July 197219 Georges Pompidou
Georges Pompidou (cropped 2).jpg
(1969–1974)
83 Pierre Messmer01 (cropped 2).JPG Pierre Messmer
(1916–2007)
1 6 July 19725 April 1973
2 5 April 19731 March 1974V (1973)
3 1 March 197427 May 1974
84 Jacques Chirac par Claude Truong-Ngoc septembre 1980.jpg Jacques Chirac
(1932–)
1 27 May 197426 August 197620 Valéry Giscard d'Estaing
Valery Giscard d'Estaing 1978.jpg
(1974–1981)
85 Raymond Barre 1980 (cropped 2).jpg Raymond Barre
(1924–2007)
1 26 August 197629 March 1977 Independent
2 29 March 197731 March 1978
85 3 31 March 197821 May 1981 Union for French Democracy VI (1978)
86 Pierre Mauroy 1990.jpg Pierre Mauroy
(1928–2013)
1 21 May 198123 June 1981 Socialist Party 21 François Mitterrand
Francois Mitterrand avril 1981.jpg
(1981–1995)
2 23 June 198123 March 1983VII (1981)
3 23 March 198317 July 1984
87 Laurent Fabius - Royal & Zapatero's meeting in Toulouse for the 2007 French presidential election 0538 2007-04-19.jpg Laurent Fabius
(1946–)
17 July 198420 March 1986
84 Jacques Chirac 1990.jpg Jacques Chirac
(1932–)
2 20 March 198610 May 1988 Rally for the Republic VIII (1986)
88 Michel Rocard16 (cropped 2).JPG Michel Rocard
(1930–2016)
1 10 May 198822 June 1988 Socialist Party
2 23 June 198815 May 1991IX (1988)
89 Edith Cresson (cropped).JPG Édith Cresson
(1934–)
15 May 19912 April 1992
90 Beregovoy.jpg Pierre Bérégovoy
(1925–1993)
2 April 199229 March 1993
91 Edouard Balladur and Raymond Barre (cropped).jpg Édouard Balladur
(1929–)
29 March 199317 May 1995 Rally for the Republic X (1993)
92 Alain Juppe in Washington DC (cropped 2).jpg Alain Juppé
(1945–)
1 18 May 19957 November 199522 Jacques Chirac
Chirac Lula ABr62198 (without light).jpeg
(1995–2007)
2 7 November 19953 June 1997
93 Lionel Jospin, mai 2014, Rennes, France (cropped 2).jpg Lionel Jospin
(1937–)
3 June 19976 May 2002 Socialist Party XI (1997)
94 Jean-Pierre Raffarin par Claude Truong-Ngoc 2013 (cropped).jpg Jean-Pierre Raffarin
(1948–)
1 7 May 200217 June 2002 Liberal Democracy
then Union for a Popular Movement
2 17 June 200230 March 2004XII (2002)
3 31 March 200431 May 2005
95 Launch Republique Solidaire 2010-06-19 n05.jpg Dominique de Villepin
(1953–)
31 May 200515 May 2007 Union for a Popular Movement
96 Francois Fillon 2010.jpg François Fillon
(1954–)
1 17 May 200718 June 200723 Nicolas Sarkozy
Flickr - europeanpeoplesparty - EPP Summit October 2010 (105).jpg
(2007–2012)
2 19 June 200713 November 2010 XIII (2007)
3 14 November 201010 May 2012
97 Jean-Marc Ayrault gros plan.jpg Jean-Marc Ayrault
(1950–)
1 15 May 201218 June 2012 Socialist Party 24 François Hollande
Francois Hollande 2015.jpeg
(2012–2017)
2 18 June 201231 March 2014 XIV (2012)
98 Valls Schaefer Munich Economic Summit 2015 (cropped).JPG Manuel Valls
(1962–)
1 31 March 201425 August 2014
2 25 August 20146 December 2016
99 Bernard Cazeneuve 21 February 2013.jpg Bernard Cazeneuve
(1963–)
6 December 201615 May 2017
100 Edouard Philippe.jpg Édouard Philippe
(1970–)
1 15 May 201719 June 2017 The Republicans
Then miscellaneous right
25 Emmanuel Macron
Emmanuel Macron in Tallinn Digital Summit. Welcome dinner hosted by HE Donald Tusk. Handshake (36669381364) (cropped 2).jpg (2017–)
2 19 June 2017Incumbent XV (2017)

Timeline since 1959

Édouard PhilippeBernard CazeneuveManuel VallsJean-Marc AyraultFrançois FillonDominique de VillepinJean-Pierre RaffarinLionel JospinAlain JuppéEdouard BalladurPierre BérégovoyEdith CressonMichel RocardJacques ChiracLaurent FabiusPierre MauroyRaymond BarreJacques ChiracPierre MessmerJacques Chaban-DelmasMaurice Couve de MurvilleGeorges PompidouMichel DebréList of Prime Ministers of France

See also

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