# Macron impresses OpenAI's Altman on AI policy

> Sam Altman singles out Emmanuel Macron as the world leader most thoughtful about artificial intelligence, as France's president prepares to leave office.
- Title: Macron impresses OpenAI's Altman on AI policy · POLITICO
- Summary: Sam Altman singles out Emmanuel Macron as the world leader most thoughtful about artificial intelligence, as France's president prepares to leave office…
- Keywords: sam altman, emmanuel macron, openai, artificial intelligence, france, marine le pen, ai policy, ai safety, politics, world, Macron, impresses
- Source: POLITICO — https://politico.eu/article/sam-altman-france-emmanuel-macron-most-impressive-world-leader-ai
- Published: 2026-10-05T11:00:38+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: sam altman, emmanuel macron, openai, artificial intelligence, france, marine le pen, ai policy, ai safety, politics, world
## Altman praises Macron on AI
OpenAI chief Sam Altman named French President Emmanuel Macron as the world leader who has impressed him most with their approach to artificial intelligence policy.

> The person that came to mind as you were saying that is the French president
## Macron's thoughtful approach
Altman said Macron is extremely thoughtful and has been for a long time about where artificial intelligence is going and what the shape of it needs to look like.

> I think [Macron] is extremely thoughtful and has been for a long time about where this is going and what the shape of it needs to look like
## Macron leaves office in April
After two terms as president, Emmanuel Macron is barred from running in the next election in April 2027, months away from leaving office.
## Le Pen favors AI deregulation
Far-right candidate Marine Le Pen, leading in polls, is advocating deregulation on AI and wants France less dependent on foreign tech companies like OpenAI.
## Le Pen's tech investment plans
Le Pen's National Rally party is considering reviving a proposal for a sovereign wealth fund to channel money toward French tech leaders such as OVH or Mistral.
## Macron hosts AI safety forum
Next month Emmanuel Macron will host the annual Paris Peace Forum to focus on AI safety and the risks technology poses to children and teenagers.
## Key takeaway

OpenAI chief Sam Altman praised French President Emmanuel Macron as the world leader most impressive on AI policy, citing his thoughtfulness about the technology's future.