France and American researchers: a move to make

In the face of Trumpian obscurantism, Emmanuel Macron raises the standard of science. Editorial by Olivier Auguste, Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Le Parisien - Aujourd'hui en France.

By Olivier Auguste

Olivier Auguste, Deputy Editor of Le Parisien - Today in France. Le Parisien DA

There is an irony, for those who remember Emmanuel Macron 's reverential visit to Didier Raoult in the midst of Covid, in seeing the head of state brandish the banner of science in the face of Trumpian obscurantism . Something curious, for those who remember the indulgence of Aix-Marseille University in the face of the haphazard methods, shaky ethics and tyrannical management of the local druid, in seeing the establishment at the forefront of offering "asylum" to American researchers.

But no matter. Donald Trump believes more in social media than in scientific consensus, he lumps all universities together and cuts their funding : this leaves France with a chance to play. Macron is right to try. But the method will be crucial for him to win.

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