In a fundamental shift reflecting a new phase in the history of French-Arab cultural relations, the board of directors of the Arab World Institute in Paris announced on Tuesday morning, February 17, the appointment of veteran diplomat Anne-Claire Legendre as president of the institute, making her the first woman to hold this prestigious position since the cultural institution's founding in 1987. This unanimous decision brings to a close four decades of male leadership, as Legendre succeeds veteran politician Jack Lang , who resigned ten days earlier, leaving behind a long legacy in the management of this venerable institution.

A new era for a long-established institution on the banks of the Seine

This appointment marks a pivotal moment for the Arab World Institute, an architectural and cultural icon designed by architect Jean Nouvel on the banks of the Seine. The Institute was founded as a partnership between France and the Arab states with the aim of fostering cultural exchange and deepening understanding of the Arab world in Europe. With Legendre at the helm, attention is now focused on how she will leverage her extensive diplomatic experience to bolster French soft power and revitalize the institution amidst the region's rapidly evolving geopolitical landscape.

From the corridors of the Élysée Palace to cultural diplomacy

Anne-Claire Legendre, 46, is no stranger to high-level decision-making circles; she has been an active member of the Élysée Palace's diplomatic team since December 2023, serving as President Emmanuel Macron's advisor on North Africa and the Middle East. Legendre has a distinguished career, having previously served as spokesperson for the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs for over two years, as Consul General of France in New York from 2016 to 2020, and briefly as head of the French Embassy in Kuwait.

In addition to her political acumen, the new president has a solid academic and cultural background; she hails from Brittany, is fluent in Arabic thanks to her studies at the National Institute of Oriental Languages ​​and Civilizations (INALCO), and is a graduate of the Paris Institute of Political Studies and the Sorbonne University in Modern Literature, which gives her the ability to understand the nuances of Arab cultural discourse.

A pivotal role in the process of recognizing the State of Palestine

Le Gendre's name rose to prominence in diplomatic circles through her crucial role in securing Paris's recognition of the State of Palestine. According to reports, she led intensive and complex negotiations with influential Arab and Western capitals, including London, Ottawa, and Canberra. These diplomatic efforts culminated in the historic announcement of the decision in September 2015 on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly meetings, further solidifying her reputation as a figure capable of managing sensitive issues and achieving diplomatic breakthroughs.

Consensus and widespread welcome

Informed sources confirmed to Okaz newspaper that the selection of Anne-Claire Legendre was not a routine appointment, but rather received the unanimous support of the board of directors, which comprises seven Arab ambassadors and seven members appointed by the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs. This reflects the confidence both parties have in her competence. Commenting on the selection, French diplomat Denis Bouchard stated, "I was apprehensive about choosing a political figure with little background in culture, but appointing Anne-Claire Legendre is the right decision.".

With this choice, the Arab World Institute is entering a new phase that relies on combining high-level diplomatic expertise with a deep understanding of Arab culture, at a time when the world needs real bridges for dialogue more than ever.

The Egyptian art scene has been thrown into turmoil and confusion in recent hours following a sudden robbery at the set of the TV series "Mona Lisa," which disrupted production and temporarily halted filming. This incident casts a shadow over the already tight schedule of the production team, who are racing against the clock to complete filming according to plan.

Details of the incident and the swift security intervention

The crisis began with a sudden power outage at the filming location, completely paralyzing the equipment and lighting necessary to complete the scenes. Initial inspection by those in charge of the location revealed that the main power cables supplying the filming equipment were missing, confirming suspicions of foul play.

Immediately upon receiving the report, Egyptian security forces acted swiftly and decisively, intensifying their search and investigation efforts to identify the perpetrator. It wasn't long before the suspect was apprehended. Upon questioning and reviewing his criminal record, a shocking revelation emerged: the suspect was a known criminal with a long history of offenses, having been previously charged in approximately 22 separate theft cases. This confirmed his habitual involvement in such criminal activities and his targeting of both public and private property.

The impact of the accident on filmmakers and stars

The power outage and cable theft disrupted the daily filming schedule for the series' stars, including Mai Omar, Ahmed Magdy, Wafaa Amer, Shaimaa Seif, Sawsan Badr, and Mohamed Mahmoud. The crew was forced to halt production for several hours, presenting a significant production challenge, as any delays in the filming schedule incur additional costs and put pressure on the actors and crew to make up for lost time.

Despite the temporary chaos caused by the incident, the rapid response of the security services and the restoration of control over the situation helped to reassure the crew, allowing filming to resume later and an attempt to make up for the delay.

"The Mona Lisa"... A highly anticipated social drama

Aside from the incident, audiences are eagerly anticipating the premiere of the series "Mona Lisa," given its distinguished cast of stars. The series unfolds as a compelling social drama, telling the story of a woman who is confronted with a harsh reality, discovering that the idealized image she had envisioned for her life was nothing but a grand illusion.

The series delves into the depths of the human psyche and complex familial and emotional conflicts, as the protagonist attempts to rebuild her life and get back on her feet after a failed marriage, facing difficult social and psychological challenges. The media attention the series received, even before its release, reflects the importance of the issues it raises and the influence of Egyptian drama as a soft power that reflects and addresses societal concerns.

the Arab World Institute enter a pivotal phase in the history of this prestigious institution today (Tuesday), as its 14-member board of directors (seven representatives from the Arab League member states and seven representatives from France) convenes to inaugurate a new administrative era. This crucial meeting will accept the resignation of the current president, former French minister Jack Lang, and appoint his successor, with veteran diplomat Anne-Claire Legendre this prestigious post.

The end of the Jack Lang era and the controversy it sparked

Today marks the official end of Jack Lang's tenure as director of the Istituto de France, a prominent cultural and political figure who led the institute for many years and significantly contributed to strengthening its cultural presence in Paris. However, his departure comes at a delicate time, as he resigned amidst the recent media and legal controversy surrounding his alleged ties to the Jeffrey Epstein case. This departure necessitates a revitalization of the institution to ensure the continuity of its enlightening mission, free from political infighting.

Anne-Claire Lejondre: The Élysée's strategic choice

In the search for new leadership, prominent names such as Audrey Azoulay (Director-General of UNESCO) and Sabrina Agresti-Robach emerged, but the focus ultimately settled on Anne-Claire Legendre . French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot settled the debate with a tweet on the X platform, announcing his proposal to appoint Legendre as France's representative and Chair of the Executive Board, describing her as possessing "the experience and strategic vision necessary to assume these high-level responsibilities."

Legendre is an ideal choice for the current stage; she is no stranger to the complexities of the region, currently serving as President Emmanuel Macron's advisor on North Africa and the Middle East. She also possesses considerable diplomatic experience, having previously served as France's ambassador to Kuwait and as spokesperson for the Ministry for Europe and Foreign Affairs. Furthermore, her fluency in Arabic facilitates communication with the Arab members of the board.

A historical precedent and the importance of the institute as a cultural bridge

If her appointment is confirmed, as expected by unanimous vote, Legendre will make history as the first woman to head the Arab World Institute since its founding in the 1980s. This appointment carries significant symbolic weight, reflecting a trend toward empowering women leaders in major cultural diplomacy institutions.

It is worth noting that the Arab World Institute, designed by the renowned architect Jean Nouvel and inaugurated in 1987, is one of the most important cultural institutions in Europe. Its strategic importance lies in its role as a bridge for dialogue between France and the Arab world, and as a platform for showcasing Arab culture through art exhibitions, intellectual seminars, and Arabic language instruction. The new leadership is expected to strengthen this pivotal role, particularly in light of current geopolitical challenges that necessitate a greater use of soft power and cultural diplomacy.