For several weeks, Sciences Po Paris has been at the heart of the news, not only because of the search for its new director after the resignation of Mathias Vicherat but also because of the student mobilizations in support of the civilian populations of Gaza. This dual dynamic raises crucial issues for the future of the institution and its direction.
The resignation of Mathias Vicherat, which occurred on March 13, left a void at the head of the Paris Institute of Political Studies as well as the National Foundation of Political Sciences. This decision, motivated by the desire to preserve the institution, followed his referral, as well as that of his ex-partner Anissa Bonnefont, to the criminal court for a case of domestic violence. Since then, Jean-Bassères has been acting, since March 26, as provisional administrator. The latter has already announced that he will not run for the leadership of Sciences Po.
However, despite almost two months having passed since this resignation, a replacement has still not been found. Despite discussions and the establishment of a list of potential candidates, no agreement has been reached on the choice of the next director. Among those considered, Najat Vallaud-Belkacem, former Minister of National Education under François Hollande, particularly attracts attention. Having obtained her degree from Sciences Po Paris, her candidacy is being seriously considered even if she has not yet confirmed her interest in the position according to the French press.
This possible candidacy of Najat Vallaud-Belkacem comes in a particularly tense context. Indeed, Sciences Po is the scene of student demonstrations in support of the civilian populations of Gaza, mobilizations which challenge the institution on its position vis-à-vis the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The appointment of a political figure such as Najat Vallaud-Belkacem, who has expressed support for the Palestinian cause in the past, raises questions among the faculty about the future direction of the establishment.
The Palestinian question thus seems to become a recruitment criterion for the management of Sciences Po. While some support a management embodying values of justice and international solidarity, others fear that this will further polarize the debate and compromise the academic neutrality of the institution.
In this context, the possible candidacy of Najat Vallaud-Belkacem crystallizes the tensions and issues facing Sciences Po. Between the need to find a new leader capable of guiding the institution in a context of crisis and the desire to preserve its integrity academic and its intellectual openness, the choice of the next director is of crucial importance for the future of the establishment.
While debates and speculations continue, the official announcement of Mathias Vicherat’s successor is eagerly awaited, both by the student community and by external observers. At stake is not only the future of Sciences Po, but also its ability to embody the values of academic excellence and pluralism for which it is renowned.
