2024 PARLIAMENT ELECTIONS WARNING CALL
Science, Medicine and Humanism in danger faced with the statements of the National Rally (“Rassemblement National”)
The Executive Board* of the French Academy of Medicine approves the press release from the French Academy of Sciences of July 3, 2024**. This press release underlines the total lack of credibility of the “Rassemblement National” ’s programmatic statements on scientific and medical issues and the abandonment of the humanist values at the heart of our profession.
On June18, just a few days before the first round of the parliament elections, the French Academy of Sciences appealed to the vigilance of our fellow citizens and of our elected members of parliament (MP) to respect the values and principles that science endorses, and that are at the heart of the foundations of our democracy. This first round has just taken place and, next Sunday, the French are being called to a critical choice at a time when the “Rassemblement National” and its allies could come access to power.
Our society is facing multiple threats, such as the climate crisis and a growing international disorder. It is also faced with technological upheavals that raise concerns. While knowledge can only progress in an open world without scientific boundaries, it is crucial to remember that turning inward will not provide a solution. It will only be harmful to the development of knowledge, education, health, culture, France’s influence and the competitiveness of its economy – in short, to our common well-being – and it will lead to the isolation and weakening of our country.
On the strength of these principles and as a guarantee of the importance of scientific research and the training of young people, of the defense of rationality and of an ethic of non-discrimination, the French Academy of Sciences underlines the total lack of credibility of the Rassemblement National’s programmatic statements on scientific and technological topics that are crucial to the future of France. It therefore calls on all citizens to take these points into account when they vote on July 7.
*The Executive Board of the French Academy of Medicine manages and administers the Institution. Its members are Professors Catherine Barthélémy, President; Christian Boitard, Permanent Secretary; Jean-Noël Fiessinger, Vice-President; Jacques Belghiti, Deputy Secretary; and Yvon Lebranchu, Treasurer.
** French Academy of Sciences press release: https://www.academie-sciences.fr/pdf/communique/CP_03_07.pdf
Press contact for the French National Academy of Medicine: Virginie Gustin virginie.gustin@academie-medecine.fr
Press contact for the French National Academy of Sciences: Nicolas Plantey presse@academie-sciences.fr
