Institute of the Arab World in Paris: three “pre-selected candidates” to succeed Jack Lang are received this Monday

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Jean-Noël Barrot, receives this Monday three “pre-selected candidates” to direct the Institute of the Arab World (IMA) in Paris, after the resignation of Jack Lang whose name is cited in the Epstein affair, indicated his entourage and sources informed of the matter. “The minister (Jean-Noël Barrot) talks today (Monday) with the preselected candidates,” indicated the minister’s entourage.

Three sources informed of the matter mentioned three candidates selected “among the numerous spontaneous applications” to lead the prestigious institution, including Anne-Claire Legendre, current North Africa and Middle East advisor to the diplomatic cell of the Élysée, and Karim Amellal, former ambassador for the Mediterranean. The third candidate would be Olivier Poivre d’Arvor, ambassador in charge of Poles and maritime affairs, according to one of the sources informed of the file.

An investigation for “aggravated tax fraud laundering”

The French state should thus propose a new president this Tuesday during the meeting of the board of directors of the IMA, convened after the resignation of Jack Lang. An investigation was opened in France on February 6 for suspicion of “laundering of aggravated tax fraud” targeting the former socialist minister and his daughter, Caroline Lang.

There are no charges at this stage against Jack Lang, 86, who left the head of the IMA under pressure on February 7. Documents made public by American justice mention his name 673 times in exchanges with sex criminal Jeffrey Epstein, and reveal links of interest with him. “I have nothing to hide,” Jack Lang repeated this Monday, while the IMA premises were searched by the National Financial Prosecutor’s Office (PNF).