- The role of Interpol president rotates every four years but the title is largely symbolic
- Philippe obtained 84 votes compared to the runner up, Turkish Mustafa Serkan Sabanca, who got 60
French police controller Lucas Philippe was elected head of Interpol on Thursday at its 93rd assembly general in Morocco, the law enforcement agency posted on X.
The role of Interpol president rotates every four years but the title is largely symbolic.
Philippe, 53, also serves as counsellor for European and international affairs to the director of the French police.
He obtained 84 votes compared to the runner up, Turkish Mustafa Serkan Sabanca, who got 60 votes, Moroccan state news agency MAP said.
During his campaign for the post, Philippe said: “My objective is clear: to consolidate the role of the organization as a global reference for collective security.”
Namibia’s Anne-Marie Nainda and Ethiopia’s Demelash Gebremicheal Weldeyes trailed behind with 12 and eight votes respectively, the agency said.
The president is tasked with presiding over the agency’s general assembly, but it is the secretary general who determines day-to-day operations in Lyon, Interpol’s headquarters since 1989.
The post of secretary-general is currently held by Brazilian Valdecy Urquiza, elected in November 2024 for a five-year term.
AFP
