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Macron Adviser Anne-Claire Legendre Tapped to Head Institut du Monde Arabe
Legendre becomes the first woman to lead the Paris-based institute after Jack Lang's resignation.
Feb. 19, 2026 at 12:15am
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Anne-Claire Legendre, a senior diplomat and one of French President Emmanuel Macron's closest advisers on North Africa and the Middle East, has been chosen to lead the Institut du Monde Arabe in Paris, marking a turning point for the institution after weeks of turmoil following the abrupt resignation of Jack Lang.
Why it matters
Legendre's appointment signals a desire for renewal at an institution that has struggled in recent years with a structural deficit, uneven financial support from member states, and questions about its broader identity and role as both a cultural center and diplomatic bridge.
The details
Legendre, 46, was selected by the institute's board on Tuesday morning and is expected to be ratified by the high council made up of representatives from the 22 member states of the Arab League. If confirmed, she will become the first woman to head the institute in its 40-year history. Legendre brings a career built in diplomacy, having joined the Elysée's diplomatic team in December 2023 after serving as spokesperson for France's foreign ministry and in other diplomatic roles.
- Legendre was selected by the institute's board on Tuesday morning.
- Legendre's appointment is expected to be ratified by the high council made up of representatives from the 22 member states of the Arab League.
The players
Anne-Claire Legendre
A senior diplomat and one of French President Emmanuel Macron's closest advisers on North Africa and the Middle East, who has been chosen to lead the Institut du Monde Arabe in Paris.
Emmanuel Macron
The President of France, who Legendre has served as an adviser to on North Africa and the Middle East.
Jack Lang
The former president of the Institut du Monde Arabe, who resigned abruptly earlier this month after renewed scrutiny over his past ties to Jeffrey Epstein.
Jeffrey Epstein
An American financier and convicted sex offender whose past ties to Jack Lang led to renewed scrutiny and Lang's resignation as president of the Institut du Monde Arabe.
What’s next
Legendre's appointment is expected to be ratified by the high council made up of representatives from the 22 member states of the Arab League.
The takeaway
Legendre's selection to lead the Institut du Monde Arabe represents a significant shift for the institution, as she becomes the first woman to hold the position and inherits an organization that has faced financial and identity challenges in recent years. Her appointment signals a desire for renewal and a rebalancing of the institute's role as both a cultural center and diplomatic bridge.
