French Official Elected Interpol President, praises Morocco’s support

Lucas Philip, a senior adviser for European and international affairs at France’s National Police, was elected Thursday as the new president of the International Criminal Police Organization (Interpol), succeeding Emirati Dr. Ahmed Nasser Al Raisi.

Philip, elected during the 93rd General Assembly of Interpol held in Marrakech, praised Morocco’s backing of his candidacy, highlighting the country’s commitment to international policing cooperation.

He said his vision for leading the organization will focus on balancing global representation with field operations, leveraging human capital, and delivering tangible international impact.

“I am very happy, not just because I was elected, but because our ideas and shared commitments were elected,” Philip said.

“I feel great pride to be in Morocco celebrating this symbolic moment for an organization that has been around for over a century. My election reflects the support of many countries, especially Morocco, which I hold in high regard.”

Philip described Morocco’s hosting of the assembly as exceptional, noting the country’s “immense commitment to organizing an event of this scale and importance.”

He added that, while he is French and European, his primary allegiance is to Interpol. “This means always maintaining balance — between continents, between fieldwork and strategy. We are obligated to achieve results and make an impact,” he said.

He emphasized the growing importance of addressing organized crime, which he called a global issue on par with terrorism, and stressed the critical role of human capital and technological management in law enforcement.

Philip also highlighted the need to focus on current operational files, ensuring Interpol remains close to the citizen while preparing for future challenges.

Philip credited colleagues, including Interpol’s Vice President for Africa, for supporting his candidacy and helping secure a “shared victory.”

He said his presidency would adopt an inclusive approach, bringing together diverse countries around common goals, and expressed confidence in continued cooperation with Morocco.