Macron, a Star Graduate of France’s Elite School, Wants to Close Its Doors

WSJ ^ | 14 May 2019 | Noemie Bisserbe

[DUMBGRUNT]

President suggests shutting the École Nationale d’Administration, a symbol of cronyism for many protesters

Mr. Macron aims to placate yellow-vest protesters who have bedeviled his government for months, accusing him of paying too little heed to the economic pain of the working class and rural residents.

ENA was designed as a meritocracy to open better opportunities to all students regardless of their background. But critics say the school has become a breeding ground for cronyism, perpetuating a social pecking order that allows énarques to monopolize top positions in society. They run the prime minister’s office, the finance ministry, the central bank, two of the highest courts and many top private-sector companies. Three of France’s past four presidents are graduates of the two-year program. The Strasbourg-based school accepts about 80 students every year—compared with 2,000 undergraduates at Harvard University—based on a rigorous competitive entrance exam that includes five written tests lasting as long as five hours each in law, economy, social issues and public finances. Oral exams, group interviews and personality testing are also required. Tuition is free and students receive a monthly stipend to pay for books and housing.

[DUMBGRUNT]

“Competition is part of the school’s DNA,” said Alexandre Allegret-Pilot, 30, who had degrees in biology, law and business before entering ENA.

Comment fron site
Just because the unqualified don't get accepted, might as well close the Ritz Carlton too as many cannot afford $1,000 night.

[aynrandfreak]

Those elites ready to shut down Harvard and Yale?

[hanamizu]

A fairly decent discussion of les grandes écoles can be found here, from France 24 TV...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=77QvohH5pvE&frags=pl%2Cwn

[DUMBGRUNT]

Thank you, that added nicely to the WSJ article.