Born in 1958. Massif central-Centre, France. Degree in private law (1982). Master's degree in public law (1984). Studied at the Paris Institute of Political Studies.Local government administrator (1986-1994). Sub-prefect (1994); Prefect(1995). Head of Office of the Minister for the Budget and Communications and government spokesman (1993-1995).Auvergne regional councillor (elected 1992 - re-elected 1998, 2004 and 2009); Chair of Finance Committee and budget rapporteur on the Auvergne Regional Council (1998). Member of RPR Political Committee (1998 - 2002); member of UMP Political Committee (since 2002); UMP Vice-Chair (since 2009); Minister-Delegate for Local Government (2005-2007); Minister of Immigration, Integration, National Identity (2007-2008); Minister of Labour (2009); Minister of the Interior(2009-2011). Member of the European Parliament (1999-2005; 2011-2024). MEP since 2026.