François Bayrou Balances Dual Roles in Pau and National Politics

The French Prime Minister and Pau mayor highlights local achievements and calls for unity ahead of key parliamentary address.

François Bayrou, serving as both French Prime Minister and mayor of Pau, delivered a speech highlighting a decade of progress in the city, including demographic recovery and urban development.
Bayrou emphasized his governance approach of collaboration across political ideologies, presenting it as a model applicable at local, national, and European levels.
The event featured a film showcasing Pau's transformation under his leadership, with Bayrou describing the city as a 'jewel' revitalized through his administration's efforts.
Bayrou's decision to travel to Pau via commercial flight followed earlier criticism over his use of a government jet, reflecting sensitivity to environmental and public perception concerns.
The visit comes as Bayrou prepares for a critical policy address in Parliament, where he faces challenges including a fractured Assembly and contentious negotiations on pension reforms and the national budget.