A new conservative “Christian-inspired” think tank backed by a French media magnate is drawing increased scrutiny ahead of France’s 2027 presidential election as critics on the Left raise concerns about its potential influence on debates over immigration, public spending and cultural policy.
The organisation – known as the Institut de l’Espérance – was established in 2025 with funding from Vincent Bolloré, a billionaire reported by the European Conservative to be Catholic, with the stated aim of promoting public policy rooted in Christian social thought and civic engagement. It has been described by its founders as a forum for developing policy proposals intended to serve the “common good” while addressing what they view as long-term cultural and economic challenges facing France.
Bolloré is one of France’s most influential industrialists and a prominent figure in the country’s media sector through his controlling interests in companies such as Vivendi, Universal Music Group and broadcaster Canal+. Hailing from a family with strong personal connexions to the Rothschilds, and a divorcee who has never remarried but has since reportedly kept a “companion” in Anaïs Jeanneret, in recent years Bolloré has increasingly linked his public profile to cultural and religious themes, including support for Catholic initiatives and conservative causes. He is a staunch supporter of Marine Le Pen’s Rassemblement National.
According to reports, the think tank is studying a broad range of policy ideas in preparation for the political cycle leading to the 2027 election. Among the proposals under discussion are measures to reduce public spending as a share of gross domestic product, reforms to immigration policy, initiatives to encourage entrepreneurship among young people, and symbolic cultural measures such as the reintroduction of school uniforms or national ceremonies in schools.
The leadership group includes figures from business, publishing and Christian civic organisations, including individuals previously associated with the Entrepreneurs et Dirigeants Chrétiens, a network that promotes ethical leadership informed by Catholic social teaching. Observers note that this blend of economic, cultural and religious perspectives reflects a broader effort among some conservative circles to articulate a unified ideological platform.
The emergence of the institute comes at a time of significant political realignment within the French Right, where debates over national identity, immigration and secularism have become increasingly prominent. France’s next presidential election, scheduled for 2027, will feature intense competition among parties seeking to define the future direction of the country’s economic and social model.
Think tanks in France traditionally play a less visible role than their counterparts in the United States or United Kingdom, but they can still shape public discourse by providing research, policy frameworks and networks of influence. Comparable organisations across the political spectrum include the centre-left Institut Montaigne and the progressive Terra Nova, both of which have contributed policy ideas to national debates in recent election cycles.
While supporters describe the Institut de l’Espérance as an effort to renew civic engagement grounded in moral and cultural values, critics on the political Left have expressed concern about the growing concentration of media ownership and political influence associated with figures such as Bolloré. The institute itself has said its purpose is to encourage reflection and dialogue rather than to function as a political party or campaign organisation.
