CONSUL CONNECTOR

Perched high above the city on the 37th floor sits the office of the Consul General of France. Surrounded by huge picture windows, it is one of the best views Chicago has to offer. However, for Yannick Tagand, the Consul General of France, moving to Chicago was not about the view. “It is about new perspectives—viewing things from the inside out. I want to understand how locals perceive France in order to build bridges and strengthen our partnerships,” Tagand explains. When he assumed his position and took over jurisdiction for 13 Midwestern states, Tagand came here to make a difference and leave his mark.

For Tagand, it is all part of a 20-year endeavor to create connections between France and the world. It’s no surprise that he is driven to experience the world through multiple lenses. Tagand attended the prestigious Sorbonne University and the Institute for Oriental Languages and decided to study Arabic, “just out of curiosity,” which would eventually be determinant in his future career path. At the university, he was surrounded by students from around the world and was introduced to new languages (he is fluent in French, Arabic, English, and Italian), cultures, and political ideals. He also learned the importance of connecting people, understanding political ideologies, and developing partnerships.

After university, Tagand’s early career brought him to many places including Syria, Iraq, and Yemen. Tagand and his wife then spent the Arab Spring in Egypt, an “exciting time” for both historical and personal reasons. His son was born in Cairo, while political history was in the making.

Tagand was excited when the opportunity arose for him to work in Chicago. “There is much to be done here in the Midwest. The relationship between the French and the Midwest has always been so important to the history here. Politically, economically, socially, France is part of the socio-economic fabric all around Chicago and the state of Illinois.”

For Tagand, it is notable that this year brings two major events connecting the United States and France—the 80th anniversary of the Normandy Invasion and the 2024 Summer Olympics, which is being hosted by the French sister city of Chicago, Paris.

The consulate has for many years been honoring WWII veterans by bestowing upon them the Legion of Honor, France’s highest award. It was imperative to Tagand to devote special attention to this honor this year as the 80th anniversary of D-Day approached, so that no one forgets the sacrifices these veterans made for France. Of the 14 veterans from the United States awarded the honor, six are from the Midwest. Those unable to attend the ceremony in France have been/or will be visited by Tagand at their homes to receive their awards. An important moment in history for both those who were there and those who worked diligently to present this acknowledgment. Tagand notes that France is America’s oldest ally and that to France this history is of utmost importance. “This connection must be kept alive.”

As for the Olympics, the Office of the Consul of France is teaming up with local Park District camps to connect children to the games. Tagand argues it is vital for the students to understand the values of the Olympics are more important than the competitions.

After three years here in Chicago, he is entering his fourth and final year as Consul General. Tagand says leaving Chicago will be bittersweet. While he is passionate about local jazz bars and enjoying the lake, what he will miss the most is the people he has met. Tagand looks forward to his final year, which includes building new projects celebrating joint heritage and expanding the French language programs in Midwestern schools.

When asked which post he found the hardest to leave, he hesitates for a moment recalling fond memories from Egypt, and North Africa. Then he laughs and says, “Chicago! I have made many great connections here.”