 On 30 January 2008, Michel Mercier, by favouring an alliance with the UMP in Lyon, whose list was led by Dominique Perben for the 2008 municipal elections signaled his disagreement with the strategy of François Bayrou by resigning the presidency of the MoDem in Rhône.He remained MoDem treasurer and member of the executive board of the MoDem until his appointment to the government.On 23 June 2009, he joined the government of François Fillon as Minister of Rural Areas and Spatial Planning.