President of the Scouts and Guides of France

A Nomination That Sparks Reactions

The Scouts and Guides of France, the country’s leading scouting organization, have elected Marine Rosset, 39, as their new president. A socialist activist involved in defending LGBT rights, her appointment marks a turning point for this movement, which is historically rooted in Catholic tradition—immediately sparking public debate.

A Vocal Political Activist

Marine Rosset, a former elected official in Paris’s 5th district, has long been part of the left-wing political landscape. She was backed by the NUPES coalition in 2022, then by the New Popular Front in 2024. Her activism focuses on causes such as women’s rights, LGBT equality, and access to abortion—positions often praised by progressive media outlets like the Huffington Post.

Beliefs at Odds with Catholic Heritage

Founded in 1920 by Father Jacques Sevin and Canon Cornette, the French scouting movement is deeply grounded in Catholic faith. This spiritual dimension remains central for many members. Religious voices, such as General Chaplain Xavier de Verchère, have expressed discomfort with Rosset’s appointment. Likewise, Father Clément Barré from the Diocese of Bordeaux believes her positions are deeply at odds with Church teachings and raise questions about the future direction of the movement.

A Clearly Assumed Progressive Shift

With 22 out of 24 votes in favor, Rosset’s election highlights an internal desire for modernization. On the political left, this change is seen as a step forward in the fight against conservative forces. Several socialist officials, notably in Paris and Montpellier, publicly congratulated the new president. For many supporters, this shift reflects the broader issues of diversity and pluralism within French scouting.

Political Neutrality Under Scrutiny

Officially, the SGDF presents itself as a non-political movement. However, some decisions raise doubts about the organization’s true impartiality. Asked about this, Marine Rosset reassured critics: “Scouting will never belong to just one political camp.” She emphasized that the New Popular Front includes a range of perspectives—ecologists, socialists, members of France Unbowed, and communists. Despite her remarks, some Catholic and conservative families say they no longer identify with the current direction of the movement.

What Stance Will the Church in France Take?

The French Bishops’ Conference may soon take a position. During debates on enshrining abortion rights in the Constitution, the bishops voiced their opposition, calling it “an attack on life.” In the face of these tensions, the new president will have to explain how she intends to reconcile her personal convictions with the founding values of the movement, while also respecting the current diversity among its members.