Fabrice Pannekoucke, a seasoned politician from Savoie, is set to succeed Laurent Wauquiez as the president of the Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes region.

Pannekoucke, who has been the vice-president in charge of agriculture since 2021, will be formally elected in a regional council meeting.

His appointment follows Wauquiez's resignation due to rules against holding multiple offices.

Despite stepping down, Wauquiez is expected to maintain influence over the region's governance, with some viewing Pannekoucke's leadership as a strategic move for Wauquiez's potential 2027 presidential bid.

Pannekoucke's experience includes leading the Cœur de Tarentaise community and promoting the French Alps' bid for the 2030 Winter Olympics.