General of the International Monetary Fund. At the time, he was one of three candidates discussed for the role, alongside Bruno Le Maire and Valérie Pécresse. The appointment was seen as a tribute to Baroin’s presumed ability to sell austerity to the French public and to unpick the economic policy of the opposition Socialist Party. During his brief time in office, he chaired the meetings of the Group of Eight ministers of finance when France held the group's presidency in 2011. From 2014, Baroin served as president of the France's Mayors Organization (Association des Maires de France), a powerful organization for more than 36,000 mayors in France. Ahead of the 2017 French presidential election, Baroin played a central role in the campaign of François Fillon. After Fillon was eliminated in the first round of voting, Baroin declared that he would vote for Emmanuel Macron in the runoff election and that he would be available as prime minister in a cohabitation; however, Macron eventually chose Édouard Philippe for the post. Career in the private sector In 2018, Baroin joined the French investment banking business of Barclays as an external senior advisor. When Christian Jacob was elected chairman of the Republicans in 2019, he appointed Baroin as strategic advisor. In 2020, Baroin was mentioned by news media as potential candidate for the 2022 French presidential election; however, he declared in October 2020 that he would not run for president. Other activities European Investment Bank (EIB), Ex-Officio Member of the Board of Governors (2011-2012) Wiretapping by NSA In 2015, WikiLeaks revealed that the U.S. National Security Agency wiretapped Baroin’s communication during his time as Minister of Finance. Personal life Baroin married fellow journalist Valérie Broquisse in 1991 and they have three children. Following their divorce, he was the partner of the journalist Marie Drucker until they separated in 2008. In 2009, he was linked with Michèle Laroque. Overview Governmental functions Ministre of Economy, Finance and Industry : 2011–2012. Government's Spokesman : 2010–2011. Minister of Budget, Public Accounts and State Reform : 2010–2011. Minister of Interior : March–May 2007. Minister of Overseas Territories : 2005–2007. Government's spokesman : May–November 1995. Electoral mandates Senate Senator for Aube : since 2014. National Assembly of France Vice-president of the National Assembly of France : 2002–2005 Member of the National Assembly of France for Aube (3rd constituency) : 1993–1995 (Became government's spokesman in 1995) / 1997–2005 (Became minister