The leader of the La Droite républicaine group in the French Assembly, Laurent Wauquiez, resigned from his position as President of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region on August 22, 2024, following his election as a member of parliament on July 7. This was in accordance with the law on not combining mandates, and new elections will be held on September 5 to select his successor. Despite having thirty days to resign, delays caused by challenges to the election results allowed Wauquiez to stay in his position longer.
Wauquiez, who has been the President of the region since 2016, will remain as a regional councilor as he had expressed the desire to do so when announcing his candidacy for the parliamentary elections. He recently became the leader of the La Droite républicaine group in the Assembly and met with President Emmanuel Macron on August 23 during consultations held by the President before appointing a new Prime Minister. Wauquiez’s departure from his regional presidency marks a significant change in his political career and his responsibilities within the party.
The resignation of Laurent Wauquiez as President of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region has been anticipated since his election as a member of parliament in July. His departure triggers the need for new elections to choose his successor, and the process will take place during a plenary session on September 5. As a key figure in the French political landscape, especially within the conservative party Les Républicains, Wauquiez’s decision to step down from regional office will have implications for the party’s leadership dynamics.
The law on not combining mandates required Wauquiez to resign from his regional presidency within a set timeframe after being elected as a member of parliament, and despite initial delays due to challenges to the election results, he has now fulfilled this obligation. Wauquiez’s decision to step down from his regional position signifies his commitment to following the legal requirements and focusing on his new role as a member of the parliament and leader of the La Droite républicaine group.
Laurent Wauquiez’s meeting with President Macron during consultations for the appointment of a new Prime Minister indicates his continued involvement in national politics and his growing influence within the conservative party. As the leader of the La Droite républicaine group in the Assembly, Wauquiez plays a significant role in shaping the party’s agenda and positions on various issues. His resignation from the regional presidency marks a transition in his political career, showcasing his dedication to different levels of governance.
Overall, Laurent Wauquiez’s resignation as President of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region reflects his adherence to legal requirements and his focus on his role as a member of parliament and leader of the La Droite républicaine group. The upcoming elections to select his successor will be crucial in determining the future direction of the region, while Wauquiez’s continued involvement in national politics underlines his importance within the conservative party and the broader French political landscape.
