Arnaud Montebourg Takes Helm at Monego, Reasserting French Economic Sovereignty

Arnaud Montebourg, former Minister of Economy under François Hollande, has been appointed president of the supervisory board of Monego, a Lyon-based financing company that focuses on citizen finance and providing tailored investment solutions to bolster French companies. Announced on February 4, Montebourg described Monego as driven by enthusiasts committed to empowering investors to create jobs through their savings and assisting companies to recover and thrive.

Montebourg’s appointment marks a continuation of his longstanding advocacy for France’s industrial and energy sovereignty, themes that defined his political career. Removed from government in 2014 after advocating for the nationalization of the ArcelorMittal steel plant in Florange, Montebourg subsequently founded Les équipes du made in France in 2015, a venture emphasizing local production funded by his own savings.

Alongside his new role at Monego, Montebourg will also re-enter the media spotlight as a commentator on BFMTV, offering his expertise in economics, geopolitics, and strategic matters to foster debates on France's economic positioning globally. His dual roles underscore his continued influence on French economic discourse, blending practical involvement in financing with public advocacy.

This development unfolds against the backdrop of broader European discussions on economic competitiveness and sovereignty, such as those at the recent EU summit, where leaders debated unified market reforms and European preference in strategic sectors. Montebourg’s leadership at Monego thus represents a tangible commitment to enhancing France’s economic autonomy and resilience in an evolving European economic landscape.