In a important shift within the French government, Marina Ferrari has been appointed as the new Minister of Sports, Youth, and Associative Life. This appointment comes less than a year after her tenure as Minister Delegate for the Tourism Economy under Michel Barnier.The deputy for the first district of Savoy is set to take over from Marie Barsacq, marking another change in the leadership of the sports portfolio.
At 51 years old, Ferrari steps into a role that has seen considerable turnover. She becomes the fourth Minister of Sports in approximately 18 months, succeeding Amélie Oudéa-Castera (May 2022-September 2024), Gil Avérous (September-December 2024), and Marie Barsacq (December 2024-October 2025). This rapid succession raises questions about stability and long-term strategy within the ministry,a point that sports enthusiasts and observers will undoubtedly scrutinize.
Ferrari’s prior government experience includes a stint as Secretary of State for Digital under Gabriel Attal, a position she held for seven months before the government’s fall. Her most recent role, focused on tourism, lasted only three months. During this brief period, a key focus was leveraging the tourist heritage of the Olympic and Paralympic Games, and she was also involved in the bid for the 2030 Winter Games in the French Alps. This experience in sports-adjacent initiatives suggests a potential continuity of focus in her new role.
A Centrist Background with a Focus on “The Field”
Ferrari’s political journey began with the UDF in 2005,and she joined the MoDem party upon its founding by françois Bayrou in 2007. For 18 years, she has been a consistent representative of this centrist political force, participating in numerous elections at municipal, departmental, regional, and legislative levels. Beyond her political career,she has also worked in the private sector,holding a position at Lunabee Studio,a startup specializing in mobile application progress.This blend of public service and private sector experience could offer a unique perspective on managing youth and associative life programs.
Describing herself as a “woman in the field” and a “convinced European,” Ferrari holds a master’s degree in international and defense studies, along with two postgraduate degrees in political science and law. Her background, which includes Italian and Austrian heritage, may inform her approach to international sports cooperation and youth exchange programs. She will be working alongside Jean-Noël Barrot,another MoDem member who remains minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs,potentially fostering a collaborative approach between ministries.
Ferrari’s appointment comes at a critical juncture for French sports, with ongoing discussions about the legacy of recent major events and the development of grassroots sports and youth engagement. Her direct experience with the Olympic Games and her background in digital innovation could prove valuable in modernizing sports administration and outreach. As she steps into this high-profile role,sports fans will be watching to see how her unique blend of experience and political affiliation translates into tangible progress for French athletes and sporting communities.
