Mathias Vicherat resigns as head of Sciences Po amid tension

Mathias Vicherat has announced his resignation as director of the Institute of Political Studies (IEP) in Paris and administrator of the National Foundation for Political Sciences (FNSP) “in order to preserve the institution”, he wrote in an email sent to the Sciences Po community on the morning of Wednesday, March 13. He specifies that he learned that he and his ex-partner Anissa Bonnefont are referred to the criminal court after the investigation carried out by the police officer on 7E Paris district.

The inquest was ordered on 4 December 2023 after twenty-four hours in police custody of the ex-spouses, who accused each other of domestic violence. No complaints or railings were filed on either side. Mathias Vicherat finally proposed his temporary withdrawal on 11 December 2023 in a message in which he believed that the management functions “imposes, more than anything else, a duty of example”.

“I still deny the allegations of violence that have been made and circulated against mewrites the former director, who recalls that no complaint was filed. Justice will make it possible to find out the reality of the facts. » “It is less my person than the institution that I care about, continues an admirable institution. » “It has been a great honor and an incomparable happiness to work with all of you in its development”concludes.

The principal resumed his post on January 29 after receiving the approval of a ten-member committee from various school boards. Still, she wanted Mathias Vicherat to distance himself from topics related to sexist and sexual violence (SGBV) while the preliminary investigation launched by the Paris prosecutor’s office draws its conclusions.

“Unsustainable position”

In agreement with the Minister of Higher Education and Research Sylvie Retailleau, a provisional administration will be appointed in the coming days. World establishment. Until the next management is appointed, he will assume the functions of the management of ÚEP Paris and the management of the FNSP. “His position became untenable and Mathias Vicherat was already completely absent”Raphaël Zaouati, a student member of the institute’s council, tells.

On Tuesday, March 12, after the sudden occupation of the amphitheater by students defending Palestine in an atmosphere of great tension, “The minister of higher education herself arrived at Sciences Po, welcomed by the general secretary and president of the FNSP”adds the student: “Number 2, Sergey Guriev, is leaving and the Secretary General arrived only a month ago… Sciences Po needs strong leadership, more than ever, in the face of all the problems the school is going through…”

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