The first Ayrault government was formed on 16 May 2012 by the presidential decree of President François Hollande.

It lasted one month, until the June legislative elections, after which Ayrault submitted his resignation.

Following the legislative victory, President Hollande immediately charged him with forming a new government, under Article 8 of the French Constitution.

Following a landslide defeat in the French mayoral elections, the second Ayrault government was dissolved on 31 March 2014.

[2] Manuel Valls was chosen by Hollande to form the next cabinet.