Anne Lauvergeon, the former CEO of Areva who now runs Anne Lauvergeon Partners, a consulting and investment firm, has written a book titled “La Promesse”, detailing her experiences working alongside former French President François Mitterrand. Mitterrand had requested that Lauvergeon write a book about their time together, and she finally decided to do so, capturing their conversations, work methods, and lifestyle without passing judgment on the man who had a complex legacy after his fourteen years in office.
Lauvergeon describes Mitterrand as a shy and reserved individual, with a distinct aversion to dealing with minor issues, believing that a statesman should not concern themselves with mundane administrative tasks. Despite being skilled at turning his own delays into a form of “art”, Mitterrand struggled to tolerate delays from others, as evidenced by an interaction with Jacques Delors following a summit in Rio in 1992. Lauvergeon paints a picture of Mitterrand’s life as being organized into separate compartments, with strict boundaries that allowed him to move in and out of various circles without providing justification.
The book highlights Mitterrand’s ability to lead a highly compartmentalized life, with Lauvergeon learning about the existence of a hidden daughter through a press service advisor at the Élysée Palace, despite regularly attending Sunday dinners with the former President. Lauvergeon describes Mitterrand as being able to seamlessly transition in and out of social circles with little explanation and a sense of urgency, demonstrating his mastery of compartmentalization. The portrait of Mitterrand that emerges from Lauvergeon’s account is one of a complex individual who maintained strict boundaries between his personal and professional life.
Through her book, Lauvergeon provides a personal perspective on her time working with Mitterrand, shedding light on his personality, work ethic, and relationships with others. Despite the challenges she faced in finding the right approach to telling her story, Lauvergeon ultimately decided to focus on bearing witness to her experiences with Mitterrand without passing judgment or distancing herself from him. The book offers readers a unique insight into the character of the former President and the impact he had on those around him, showcasing a nuanced portrayal of a political figure with a complex legacy.
Overall, Anne Lauvergeon’s book “La Promesse” serves as a tribute to her experiences working alongside François Mitterrand and provides a personal account of his life and work. By sharing her memories and reflections on their time together, Lauvergeon offers readers a rare glimpse into the private world of a prominent political figure. Through her narrative, she captures the essence of Mitterrand’s persona and sheds light on the intricacies of his personality, leaving readers with a deeper understanding of the man behind the public image.
