Jean Castex, the former French Prime Minister, has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer of SNCF, France's national railway company. In his first major interview since taking the position, Castex outlined his vision for the state-owned rail operator and addressed concerns about increasing competition in the French railway sector.
Speaking from RATP offices in Paris on October 17, 2025, Castex emphasized his pragmatic approach to railway management and market competition. The former Prime Minister, who served under President Emmanuel Macron from 2020 to 2022, brings significant governmental experience to his new role in the transportation sector.
"I am neither a principled opponent nor a zealot when it comes to opening up to competition," Castex stated during the interview. This balanced stance reflects his commitment to navigating the complex landscape of European railway deregulation while maintaining SNCF's competitive position in the market.
The appointment comes at a crucial time for SNCF as the company faces increasing pressure from private competitors entering the French rail market. European Union regulations have gradually opened national railway systems to competition, forcing traditional state monopolies like SNCF to adapt their business strategies and operational approaches.
Castex's leadership experience during the COVID-19 pandemic and his deep understanding of French public policy are expected to help SNCF address current challenges including infrastructure modernization, service quality improvements, and financial sustainability. His pragmatic approach suggests he will seek to balance the company's public service mission with commercial competitiveness in an evolving market landscape.
