Franco-Lebanese writer Amin Maalouf was recently elected permanent secretary of the Académie française, a prestigious institution responsible for defending the French language and promoting literature. This nomination marks an important milestone in the career of Maalouf, who is already a renowned author and winner of the Goncourt Prize in 1993 for his novel “The Rock of Tanios”.
The position of perpetual secretary of the French Academy is a highly coveted position, which has only been occupied by 32 people since 1634. It had been vacant since the death of Hélène Carrère d’Encausse last August, who had held this position since 1999. Amin Maalouf appeared as the natural successor to Carrère d’Encausse, given his involvement and significant contribution to the Academy since his election in 2011.
Maalouf’s personality is unanimously appreciated within the Academy. He was also in competition with Jean-Christophe Rufin, author and former French diplomat, who is also a respected member of the Academy. Despite this rivalry, Rufin expressed his satisfaction at seeing Maalouf occupy this position, considering them as brothers in their common passion for literature.
As new permanent secretary, Amin Maalouf will have several important responsibilities. First of all, he will have to complete the ninth edition of the Dictionary of the Academy, a task to which Carrère d’Encausse had devoted a lot of energy before his death. In addition, Maalouf will also have to tackle the financial issue of the Academy, which is facing difficulties due to dependence on income from its financial assets and donations and legacies.
Finally, the attractiveness of the French Academy is a major issue that Maalouf will have to tackle. The objective of rejuvenating and further feminizing this institution, currently made up of 28 men and 7 women, has been a priority for a long time. However, attracting younger and more diverse candidates is a complex challenge.
In short, the election of Amin Maalouf as permanent secretary of the Académie française is recognition of his talent as a writer and his contribution to the promotion of the French language. His vision and leadership will be essential to continue to evolve this historic institution in the years to come.