List of prime ministers of France


The head of the Government of France has, since 1958, been called the Prime Minister of France.
During earlier periods of French history the French head of government was known by different titles. As was common in European democracies of the period, between 1815 and 1958, the Head of Government was called President of the Council of Ministers, generally shortened to "President of the Council". This should not be confused with the office of the President of the Republic and other heads of state: the term 'president' was used for multiple senior political offices.

Kingdom of France (843–1792)

Under the Kingdom of France, there was no official title for the leader of the government. The chief ministers of certain kings of France nonetheless led the government de facto.

First French Republic (1792–1804)

During the First Republic, the arrangements for governance changed frequently:
There was no individual head of government.

First French Empire (1804–1814)

As Emperor, Napoleon was both head of state and head of government.

First Restoration (1814–1815)

Hundred Days (1815)

As Emperor, Napoleon was both head of state and head of government. Upon Napoleon's abdication, his son Napoleon II was named Emperor. This rule was nominal, and Napoleon II remained in Austria throughout his nominal reign.

Bourbon Restoration (1815–1830)

Presidents of the Council of Ministers

;Political parties



July Monarchy (1830–1848)

Presidents of the Council of Ministers

;Political parties





Second French Republic (1848–1852)

Presidents of the Council of Ministers

;Political parties



Second French Empire (1852–1870)

Cabinet Chiefs

;Political parties

Third French Republic (1870–1940)

President of the Government of National Defense

Presidents of the Council of Ministers

;Political Parties















French State (1940–1944)

Until 1942, Marshal Philippe Pétain served as Chief of State and nominal President of the Council of Ministers: the Vice-President of the Council of Ministers was the de facto head of government. From 1942, Pétain remained Chief of State, but Pierre Laval was named Chief of the Government.

Vice-Presidents of the Council of Ministers

;Political parties

Provisional Government of the French Republic (1944–1946)

Chairmen of the Provisional Government

;Political parties



Fourth French Republic (1946–1958)

Presidents of the Council of Ministers

;Political parties









Fifth French Republic (1958–present)

This was the first time when the term Prime Minister was used, rather than President of the Council of Ministers, reflecting the new power-sharing with the President of the Republic, who had before then been only head of state but not head of government.

Prime Ministers

;Political parties









Timeline since 1959