French president visits Lund University, sings with students

French President Emmanuel Macron participated last month in the famous ‘student evening’ (Studentafton) at Lund University in Sweden, during which he sat in a red chair – reserved for national and international personalities – and discussed challenges, possibilities and the future of European cooperation.

Interviewed by Sylvia Schwaag Serger, former deputy vice-chancellor at Lund University and a professor of economic history, he fielded questions from students representing a student audience of 300 in the main university building. He also joined in the singing of the French classic ‘Les Champs-Élysées’.

The Lund University meeting was part of Macron’s state visit to Sweden from 30 to 31 January, at the invitation of King Carl XVI Gustaf, focused on the energy transition.

During the visit, Macron signed a collaborative agreement on nuclear energy transition with energy company Alfa Laval, and visited the European Spallation Source, a mega-industry European Union collaboration project of 13 nations.

Swedish Minister of Education Mats Persson and France’s Minister for Higher Education and Research Sylvie Retailleau also signed a letter of intent establishing collaboration between Sweden and France regarding nuclear energy research.

‘Studentafton’

Dating back to 1905 the student evening has enjoyed the presence of dignitaries such as all of Sweden’s prime ministers, former South African president FW de Klerk, former French prime minister Pierre Mendes, former secretary general of the United Nations Dag Hammarskjöld, former United States secretary of state Henry Kissinger, former chancellor of Germany Willy Brandt and 1,500 others.

Sylvia Schwaag Serger, who was selected by the students to be moderator at the event, raised issues relating to democracy and the European Union’s future during a challenging time.

According to a Lund University online report about the visit, Macron agreed that there could be big changes to come, with EU elections and several national elections; notably the upcoming presidential election in the United States.

“There are areas where we are vulnerable. One of them is the risk of elections being manipulated and the increasing threat of disinformation, for instance via social media,” Macron is reported to have said.

The article reported that Macron “singled out Russia as a major player in creating instability, not only through the war against Ukraine but also through cyber warfare. In addition, he raised global concerns with the increasing questioning of the rule of law”.

Quoting Macron, the article said: “Some see the rule of law as a weakness for politicians who want to implement their policies. But it is fundamental to a functioning democracy that everyone receives the same protection under the law, and that governments are prevented from arbitrarily using their power. There is an increasing number of so-called illegal democracies where this principle is disregarded.”

According to the Lund University article, Serger also asked whether the EU’s democratic model can compete with other ideological systems, especially when it comes to innovation and technological development.

“Macron replied that he believes the EU can and will be able to do so going forward. Admittedly, there is a challenge in that the EU consists of 27 countries, while competitors such as the US and China – despite their differences – are individual countries,” he is quoted as saying.

“We have to invest significantly more. We have successful universities, startups and companies so we are well equipped, but we need to synchronise and invest more money, and it needs to happen faster. We must find our own way and not become dependent on the US and China. This reduces us simply to a large market of consumers,” Macron reportedly said.

Concerns about Ukraine and Russia

According to the university article, questions from students focused on the war in Ukraine and the future of relations with Russia.

“Macron emphasised that Russia has taken on a great responsibility for the future through its war against Ukraine. He said that the EU plays a very important role, because it must not end with Russia defeating Ukraine,” the article stated.

Quoting Macron it said: “We have already done a lot by providing Ukraine with weapons and money, together with the United States. However, we must increase support, because we cannot risk Russia winning. We need our own strong defence industry that can supply both us and the Ukraine with weapons. It is also a good thing that Ukraine has been allowed to start membership negotiations with the EU.”

The student’s newsletter Lundagård reported that the 300 tickets for the Studentafton event were quickly sold out and that students were impressed that Macron had decided to meet the students.

“This is a once in a lifetime opportunity,” said Maja Hedin, a student at Lund University who was quoted by the newsletter.

Another student Fanny Hjort is quoted as saying: “The fact that the president prioritises a visit to Lund during his two day short trip to Sweden, to speak to the students of Lund University, is extremely cool.”

Dream guest: Nobel prizewinner

In accordance with tradition, Macron was asked to identify his dream guest for the next Studentafton. He chose Anne L-Huillier, a professor at Lund University who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2023 together with Pierre Agosstini and Ferenc Krausz.

“She is a perfect symbol for the Swedish-French cooperation, and with a bright mind that means so much to the research community. I would gladly attend and listen,” Macron is quoted as saying.

Before the French president left Studentafton, attendees rose in unison, and the auditorium sang “Les Champs-Élysées” [by Joe Dassin]. Macron, who had previously said that he was not a great singer, as reported by Lund University, joined in.

Serger told University World News she was honoured to moderate the conversation with Macron on behalf of the students. “This is a critical year for democracy and for European cooperation, with the upcoming elections to the European Parliament and with numerous external and internal threats.

“It is also a time where many young people worry and wonder what they can do to ensure a more sustainable and resilient future, for people, planet and prosperity. In these times of increasing crisis and conflict but also disinformation and polarisation, it was particularly valuable to hear a European leader share his views and his hopes for democracy, sustainability and the European Union first hand,” said Serger.

Clean energy

According to the Alfa Laval website, the company was able to showcase its technologies, which can help propel energy efficiency and clean energy, during Macron’s visit.

“A particular focus was on heat exchangers, which are a vital piece of the energy transition puzzle, including the world’s first heat exchanger made from fossil-free steel (named Concept Zero). The [Macron] visit included a tour of our heat exchanger factory – the largest in the world,” the webpage said.