Sciences Po: Director Luis Vassy defends himself against criticism of his leadership

Paris – 06/03/2026: Luis Vassy, director of the Paris Institute of Political Studies (Sciences Po), recently rejected accusations of an authoritarian leadership style. In an interview with France Inter, he emphasized that there is “no crisis” and that Sciences Po is a “space of freedom” where “speech is free.” These statements came amid increasing criticism of his leadership.

In April 2026, 145 of the 272 permanent faculty members signed a public statement criticizing Vassy’s “unilateral” management methods and an “escalation of repression.” A central point of contention was Vassy’s decision in April to involve the police to remove students protesting against a now withdrawn anti-Semitism bill proposal. This measure led to significant fines and criminal convictions for the students.

Critics hold Vassy responsible for undermining academic freedom and ignoring the principles of collegiality. It is argued that his centralized decision-making bypasses traditional academic procedures and changes the institutional culture of Sciences Po.

Vassy, a former diplomat and Sciences Po alumnus, took office in October 2024. Since then, he has implemented various reforms, including introducing a compulsory political philosophy course for first-year students and establishing a climate school for master’s students. However, these initiatives did not proceed without controversy.

Another point of criticism is Vassy’s cooperation with the defense industry. At the end of 2025, he initiated the establishment of a think tank for war studies, involving representatives from leading French defense companies. These partnerships have raised concerns about the independence of research and the possible politicization of Sciences Po.

Despite ongoing criticism and internal tensions, Vassy received a performance bonus of 40,000 euros in March 2026. This decision increased dissatisfaction within the faculty and led to further discussions about the appropriateness of his leadership practices.

Given the continuing tensions and criticism of his leadership, Vassy emphasized that he remains committed to maintaining Sciences Po as a place of free speech and intellectual exchange. He stressed the importance of discussions and debates within the institution and assured that he is open to constructive criticism.

The situation at Sciences Po remains tense, and it remains to be seen how the dynamics between management and faculty will develop. The coming months could be crucial for how the institution deals with current challenges and what measures are taken to ensure internal cohesion and academic freedom.