François Fillon

Enters National Assembly

Elected to French Parliament representing Sarthe at age 27. Has minimal wealth and no national recognition outside local conservative political circles.

Becomes minister

Appointed to ministerial positions under Chirac government. Gains visibility within French political establishment but remains unknown to general public.

Appointed Prime Minister

Becomes PM under Nicolas Sarkozy, second-most powerful position in France. Achieves household name status in France and recognition among European political observers.

Pension reform push

Leads controversial pension reform despite massive strikes. Solidifies reputation as economic reformer while remaining relatively unknown outside France and EU circles.

Leaves office after election

Steps down as PM when Sarkozy loses to Hollande. Maintains profile in French politics but loses platform and begins transition to elder statesman role.

Wins Republican primary

Becomes front-runner for French presidency after surprising primary win. Briefly achieves significant international media attention as likely next French president.

Penelopegate scandal erupts

Presidential campaign collapses amid fake jobs scandal involving his wife. Goes from favorite to also-ran, leading to Macron's victory. Fame becomes tied to scandal.

Convicted of embezzlement

Found guilty of misuse of public funds and receives suspended prison sentence. His reputation is severely damaged and he largely withdraws from public life.

Retired scandal figure

Remembered in France as the PM who almost became president before scandal. Known among those who follow French politics, but largely forgotten internationally and by younger French generations.