Élisabeth Borne (X81) appointed Prime Minister

Appointed Prime Minister of the French governement, Elisabeth Borne (X81) is the first woman graduate of the Ingénieur Polytechnicien program and second woman to hold this position.

During the handover ceremony with her predecessor, she emphasized the symbolic significance of this appointment as École Polytechnique celebrates the fiftieth anniversary of the opening of the entrance exam to the Ingénieur Polytechnicien program to women.

"I would like to dedicate this appointment to all the young girls and tell them: go after your dreams and nothing must slow down the fight for women’s place and role in our society," declared Élizabeth Borne in conclusion of her handover speech, after having had a thought for Édith Cresson who led the French government between 1991 and 1992.

Elisabeth Borne is one of the women graduate of the Ingénieur Polytechnicien program whose inspiring careers are featured in the exhibition "1972-2022: 50 years of feminization of École Polytechnique" which opened on March 31st.

Today, the School is stepping up its efforts to strengthen gender diversity, encourage women's access to excellent scientific and technological education, and promote their success, in particular through the many awareness-raising and support initiatives conducted by its Diversity & Success Center.