Macron Seeks UNESCO Recognition for French Touch Music

French President Emmanuel Macron has called for French house music, also known as French touch, to be added to UNESCO's intangible cultural heritage list, following the recent inclusion of Berlin techno in Germany's national heritage list. Macron emphasized France's pioneering role in electronic music, stating, "We are the inventors of electro," and expressed pride in the genre's global influence, citing artists like Daft Punk, David Guetta, and Bob Sinclar. He made these remarks during an interview on Radio FG's Happy Hour show coinciding with Fête de la Musique, stressing the importance of preserving cultural creativity amid the rise of AI. The French touch, which emerged in the 1990s and is characterized by filtered and phased effects with heavy disco sampling, has had significant international impact and cultural recognition. Macron's appeal aligns with France's ongoing efforts to secure UNESCO recognition for other cultural practices, reinforcing national cultural pride without diminishing European cooperation. This initiative follows Germany's successful integration of Berlin techno into its heritage list, serving as a precedent for France's candidacy.