François Bayrou, the comeback! Appointed prime minister by Emmanuel Macron this Friday, December 13, 2024, he is propelled to Matignon after the censorship of the Barnier government. And if there is one who should rejoice, it is Elisabeth, his wife of more than half a century! The first lady of Pau will become that of Matignon. But who really is this discreet “Babeth”, as he affectionately calls her? Investigation into the woman who has shared François Bayrou’s life since they were 20 years old.
Love at first sight at university for François and Elisabeth
Return to 1969. François Bayrou, son of farmers, arrives at the university of Bordeaux after a prep course. Classic letters are his thing. And one day, at the U restaurant, he fell in love at first sight.
“Babeth was going to the U restaurant. I saw her, and there it was!” he tells France Evening. He admits to having been captivated by “her legs, straight, beautiful, fine ties. Then his face.”
Five short months of student flirting, andyou’re marriedin 1971, at just 20 years old! A real fairy tale.
Freshly graduated, the newlyweds both become literature teachers. But very quickly, the little family grew. Hélène, Marie, Dominique, Calixte, Agnès and André: in total, they will have 6 children ! Too much for Elisabeth who abandons teaching. François obtained his agrég at the age of 23 before entering politics. Her career is launched, Babeth will manage the stewardship.
Elisabeth Bayrou, the shadowy wife who flees worldliness
Despite the growing notoriety of her François, Elisabeth always preferred the shadows to the light. This very shy person “hates social life” according to Rodolphe Geisler, reporter and author of a bio on Bayrou.
“Since her husband has been a deputy for Pau, that is to say for more than 25 years, Babeth has always refused to go to a dinner of notables in town.”
We almost never see her, except for major events like the presidential elections. Her rare appearances show her discreet and moved, misty-eyed at her husband’s victory as mayor of Pau in 2014.
His refuge? Their property in Bordères, a small village near Pau, where the family practices agriculture and horse breeding. But this horse racing passion of François, Elisabeth could do without it!
“I would prefer my husband to raise sheep. That way I could take care of it. We would be in a world of shepherds, not billionaires.” she says, not really a fan of racetracks and big bettors.
Quite a temperament!
A close couple passionate about politics
But then, what is their secret to lasting for 53 years?
“The fact that I had to live half the week 850 km from home was not a handicap, but an asset. Without that, she might not have put up with me for so long!” François jokes.
But the real glue between the couple is Elisabeth’s all-consuming passion for politics!
“She is very interested in it. She has convictions, which she does not flaunt but which are extremely important to her” reveals her husband.
A woman in the shadows, certainly, but a woman of convictions, who always pushed François to go further.
“She considers that I have things to say and do. She always encouraged me.” confides Bayrou.
There is no doubt that she will be his most valuable support in succeeding in his new challenge at Matignon! So, when will a “Babeth” be more present in the light? Response in the coming weeks.
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2024-12-16 05:36:00