Moulin told lawmakers in a confrontational but respectful session before his confirmation that he would respect the bank’s independence as its governor and insisted he was well qualified for the job.
“I am convinced that I could lead an institution that is proud of its history and focused on the future, dedicated to a reliable currency and a strong, stable and sustainable economy,” said Moulin.
Moulin used years of working in the French Ministry of Economy and Financeserving as deputy chief of staff to current European Central Bank chief Christine Lagarde when she was minister, and as chief of staff to Bruno Le Maire, one of her successors.
Moulin’s critics, however, saw him as too close to Macron to be considered independent enough. Some lawmakers planned to vote against the 57-year-old president as a way to punish Macron for a controversial recent appointment that appears to be a political defense or an attempt to hold on to power after the 2027 presidential election.
Jean-Philippe Tanguy, a high-ranking lawmaker from the far-right National Convention, also saw Moulin as partly responsible for France’s precarious financial situation due to his senior roles during Macron’s years in office.
“You are the epitome of depth,” Tanguy said.
