Jean-Pierre Farandou, the 68-year-old president of SNCF, was unexpectedly appointed Minister of Labour and Solidarity on October 12, 2025, in the new government of Sébastien Lecornu, despite not being previously linked to political rumors.

His appointment comes at a time when the government faces critical issues such as pension reform, unemployment insurance, and budget debates, making his industry expertise particularly relevant.

Farandou's career reflects a deep connection to the railway sector, with a reputation for managing complex industrial relations and negotiating with unions.

A graduate of École des Mines, he began his career at SNCF in 1981, rising through various roles including director of the Sud-Ouest network and president of Keolis, before becoming SNCF's CEO in 2019.

Throughout his tenure, he managed crises like the COVID-19 pandemic and implemented railway reforms, leading to record profits and financial stability for SNCF.

Under his leadership, SNCF posted a historic profit of 2.4 billion euros in 2022, which allowed for investments in network renewal and new TGV trains, despite ongoing challenges like aging infrastructure.

His appointment is notable given the historically strained relations between SNCF and the government, and he is considered well-equipped for the role due to his industry knowledge and negotiation skills.

Farandou's transition to government is also linked to the upcoming succession at SNCF, with former Prime Minister Jean Castex being proposed as his successor, pending parliamentary approval.

Despite being a largely technical figure with no political background, his extensive experience in negotiations and management makes him a strong candidate for navigating the social and economic challenges ahead.

His appointment marks a significant shift, symbolically representing a career path from railway worker to government minister, amid ongoing political and industrial reforms.

Farandou's move to the government also reflects broader political changes, including the retirement of figures like Jean Castex and ongoing government restructuring.