France is set to invest a staggering €109 billion ($113 billion) into artificial intelligence (AI) projects, a move hailed by President Emmanuel Macron as a monumental step in the country’s technological evolution. The announcement comes ahead of the AI Action Summit in Paris, where heads of state and tech leaders will gather to discuss the future of AI.
Macron framed this investment as a bold step to position France and Europe at the heart of the AI revolution, drawing parallels with the US’s ambitious AI programs, such as OpenAI’s $500 billion Stargate initiative. The funding aims to bolster AI research, enhance healthcare, improve energy systems, and transform everyday life.
To drum up attention for the summit, Macron took an unconventional approach, releasing a series of AI-generated deepfake videos featuring himself in unexpected roles. In one clip, he’s seen dancing to the 1980s French hit “Voyage Voyage”; in another, he’s inserted into a spy comedy, and in a third, he raps and shows off dance moves reminiscent of French artist Nekfeu.
In a light-hearted moment, the real Macron, dressed in his usual suit and tie, commented on the impressive technology, admitting, “It made me laugh.” He also noted that while the videos were playful, they showcase AI’s potential to revolutionize sectors like healthcare and energy.
The playful videos, which quickly garnered attention on social media, also included a parody of MacGyver, the resourceful action hero from American TV, with Macron humorously acknowledging, “There, that’s definitely me.”
As Macron prepares to host the AI Action Summit on Monday and Tuesday, co-chaired with India, his playful campaign signals a shift towards embracing AI’s potential, while ensuring that European values are maintained at the forefront of this rapidly advancing field.
