With the Principality set to enter a national day of mourning following the passing of Didier Guillaume, Monaco’s late Minister of State, Monaco Life looks back on the career of a man who has left behind him a profound legacy of dedication and commitment to meaningful change and progress.
Didier Guillaume, who passed away at the age of 65 on 17th January 2025 following hospitalisation a week prior, served as Monaco’s Minister of State for just four months before his untimely death. Despite that brief time, Guillaume had a notably positive effect on the Principality, driving forward a variety of schemes and policies that sought to improve the quality of life for its residents.
Guillaume assumed the mantle of Minister of State in September 2024, taking over from Pierre Dartout, and he quickly set about addressing key issues in Monaco, from urban development and public safety to the energy transition. He made a strong impact through measures such as the introduction of additional speed cameras and the increased surveillance of Monaco’s roads, stepping up to push through new powers for law enforcement after a spate of drink-driving accidents. His focus on sustainable practices in urban development and energy efficiency, meanwhile, aligned with Monaco’s vision for a greener future.
But Guillaume’s contributions to public life extended beyond Monaco and into France, where he has been remembered for his expertise, pragmatism and dedication to progress.
Born on 11th May 1959 in Bourg-de-Péage, a town in France’s Drôme department, Guillaume was shaped by his rural roots, which directly influenced his career in politics.
His public service began locally, as Mayor of Bourg-de-Péage from 1995 to 2004, and later as President of the General Council of Drôme, where he focused on rural development and sustainability. Elected as Senator in 2008, he served as Senate Group President in 2014, leading efforts in agriculture, rural development and social policy. Later, as France’s Minister of Agriculture and Food from 2018 until 2020, Guillaume championed agricultural reforms, climate change initiatives and food security.
Guillaume’s legacy both in France and the Principality was honoured in Monaco on 20th January with a mass at the Cathedral of Monaco, as well as during moments of silence observed across the community. A chapel of rest has been set up at the Chapelle de la Miséricorde, allowing residents to pay their respects ahead of his funeral on 23rd January.
In a statement released in the wake of Guillaume’s death, Prince Albert II described him as a “remarkable statesman” whose dedication and expertise left a lasting impression.
“I am deeply moved by the loss of a man of commitment and heart,” said the Prince. “The Principality of Monaco loses an exemplary servant, whose actions and loyalty will remain engraved in our memories. I offer my sincere condolences to his family, as well as my warmest thoughts to all those who mourn him today.”
Guillaume’s sudden passing has left a deep void, but his contributions to public service and the betterment of Monaco and France will be remembered for years to come.
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Photo source: Monaco Communications Department