Now into its 46th year in existence, the student-run “Mardis de l’ESSEC” Tuesday debating society (hence its name) has welcomed many prestigious speakers from the worlds of politics, finance, academia and culture in its time.
The most recent appearances at ESSEC’s Cergy campus reflect some of the issues currently pre-occupying the School’s community.

The month of March was especially active, with appearances by Claude Bébéar, Chairman of AXA’s Board of Overseers and a man viewed as the “godfather of the French economy”, and Martin Hirsch, then Chairman of Emmaüs France, followed by François Bayrou, the “third man” of the French Presidential Elections.
The lattermost debate was an especially remarkable achievement on the part of the organizing association, coming as it did in the midst of campaigning and at a time when Mr. Bayrou’s standing in the polls was challenging that of Ségolène Royal and eventual winner Nicolas Sarkozy.



Mr. Hirsch has since gone on to become a member of the French government formed following the presidential elections. Amongst the guests welcomed by “Les Mardis” in April was Alain Juppé, former French Prime Minister, Mayor of Bordeaux and then French Minister of State, Energy, Ecology and Sustainable Development. The last of these responsibilities covers an issue that is especially dear to the ESSEC community.

A recent debate was given an alternative perspective thanks to the presence of world-famous film director Luc Besson in early June, who spoke at length not only of the industry of which he is a part but also of reactions from artists and the general public to the result of the recent French presidential elections. His contribution proved uncompromising and eclectic.

In the words of the “Mardis de l’ESSEC” association website, proceedings are opportunities for “exchange” characterized by “impertinence and open-mindedness”. Students run the evening and are able to contribute in a frank and spontaneous manner that guarantees lively debate.
As further confirmation of the success of this venture, this year has seen the addition of the “Mardis de l’ESSEC” evenings at the alumni headquarters in Paris.