Anne-Claire Logandere, the new president of the Arab World Institute in Paris, faces several challenges after assuming the position following the resignation of Jack Lange in connection with the Epstein case. Between restoring public confidence after previous crises, ensuring administrative and financial transparency, and maintaining the stability of the institution in light of declining funding, Legendre relies heavily on the role of Arab countries, led by Saudi Arabia and Qatar. In a lengthy interview with Le Figaro daily, the new president reviewed her plans to confront these obstacles and strengthen the institute’s role as a cultural and diplomatic platform linking France to the Arab world, while emphasizing the importance of dialogue and equal partnerships.

Published on: 02/20/2026 - 14:48 Last updated: 02/20/2026 - 14:54

In a lengthy interview with the French newspaper Le Figaro, Anne-Claire Lugandre, the new president of the Arab World Institute in Paris, confirmed that her new duties are an extension of a personal path that began more than 20 years ago, and that her interest in the institute arose decades ago when she visited it for the first time due to her passion for the Arab world, whose literature and culture she studied. Logande explained that her assumption of the presidency of the institution today represents an inevitable milestone.

According to the new president, her mission falls within a “broader international context,” at a time when “some reactionary and authoritarian forces are trying to impose a narrative based on a rift between the North and the South,” as she puts it.

She also considered that France has a special relationship with the “south,” and that the institute can play “the role of a platform for promoting equal partnerships that highlight creativity and modernity in the Arab world, in addition to providing a space for calm dialogue on Near and Middle East issues.”

Internal reforms and financial challenges

It should be noted that Logander's term will extend until December 2026, but she confirmed that she will seek to stay for the long term. This stage comes after a crisis witnessed by the institute following the revelation of the relationship of its former president, Jack Lange, with Epstein.

Anne-Claire Logande announced that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs will initiate a general inspection to ensure transparency and maintain the integrity of the institution, stressing the need to clarify all administrative and financial aspects to reassure the public and taxpayers, as well as enable employees to work in a stable atmosphere.

Read also Anne-Claire Logande, the first woman to be appointed head of the Arab World Institute in Paris

Logande added that French Foreign Minister Jean-Noel Barrot seeks to set a ceiling of no more than two terms for the head of the Arab World Institute, and that he must not exceed 64 years of age when appointed. However, the biggest challenge remains financial, according to Anne-Claire Logande, who explained to the newspaper “Le Figaro” that the original agreement to finance the institute (60% from France and 40% from the Arab countries) has not been implemented regularly since 2013.

Therefore, the new president stressed “the necessity of opening a dialogue with Arab partners to ensure the sustainability of the institution and to determine the role they wish to play within it,” especially with some of them demanding a greater role in decision-making. The new president of the institute also proposed a plan to diversify resources by attracting sponsors from the private sector, increasing space rental, in addition to developing Arabic language teaching activity.

The "Arab dimension" in French society and culture as a partnership tool

Logander believes that art plays a pivotal role in building collective narratives, noting that the Arab world is witnessing a remarkable dynamism in building museums and cultural institutions. She also stressed that the Institute could enhance its cooperation with a number of Arab countries, most notably Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the UAE, through joint organizing of exhibitions, noting that Paris is a distinguished place to provide a space of freedom for artists who may not have the same conditions to present their works in their countries.

Anne-Claire Logande stressed that about 10 million French people have direct or indirect relations with the Arab world, considering that this legacy cannot be ignored.

It affects culture, taste and world view. She pledged that the institute would form a basis for dialogue, including the definition of the contribution of this dimension to the enrichment of French society, recalling that teaching Arabic in France goes back centuries, since King François I introduced this language into the programs of the ancient College de France. Logander also stressed that Arab identity is multidimensional and includes Christians, Jews, and Muslims.

"Cultural and diplomatic bridge"

Logande added that the institute's role is to provide accurate and impartial scientific knowledge about issues in the Arab world, including contemporary conflicts. She stressed that the exhibitions allocated to the Gaza Strip in 2024 and 2025 attracted a wide audience of young people who seek to discover Arab culture and art and access reliable information.

She said: "The Arab World Institute can be a space to study the relationship with the history of the Middle East and highlight the voices of Arab intellectuals that do not have a sufficient presence in France."

Read also: Epstein case: raid on the headquarters of the Arab World Institute in Paris as part of an investigation targeting its resigned president, Jack Lang

Anne-Claire Logande stated that she had communicated with her predecessor, Jack Lange, several times, noting that his work remains important, as he contributed with his vitality and creativity to consolidating the status of the institution, which receives about 750,000 visitors annually.

She concluded: "We want to direct the institute towards a new phase that combines institutional reform, financial stability, and strengthen its role as a cultural and diplomatic bridge between France and the Arab world."

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