At the start of the **Frankfurt Book Fair**, French publishing representatives voiced several concerns, including the possible removal of the National Book Center (CNL), the growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI) on the publishing industry, a decline in reading habits, and the way the fair was organized. Vincent Montagne, president of the National Publishing Syndicate (SNE), described the overall mood as "a bad wind," a phrase inspired by French writer Paul Valéry. Similar concerns were shared by Nicolas Roche of France Livre, Sébastien Bakhouche from the Ministry of Culture, and Olivier Lombardie of the CNL. The decision to include the CNL in a list of state-run organizations that might be eliminated was criticized as "a serious mistake" by Nicolas Roche. He argued that state agencies like the CNL are essential and should be supported. Olivier Lombardie pointed out the CNL's international role, including funding nearly 700,000 euros for 280 translation projects in 2025 and supporting French-language publishing houses abroad. He also suggested a tax on digital platforms to fund reading initiatives and called for greater support for independent bookstores. Vincent Montagne emphasized the need for policymakers to address AI-related issues, arguing that copyright laws should be updated to prevent AI from exploiting content without proper compensation. He praised the "Frankfurt Appeal," a call for transparent and fair AI practices, and urged concrete steps to improve reading levels, citing 14 recommendations from a children's literature conference that have not yet been implemented. Sébastien Bakhouche highlighted recent successes, such as the approval of a three euro minimum delivery charge by the Council of State, which prompted Amazon to stop offering free deliveries. The organization of the **Frankfurt Book Fair** itself was also under scrutiny, especially the day set aside for employees and the costs charged to exhibitors. Nicolas Roche expressed hope that the fair's organizers would focus on strengthening the festival experience for German publishers and re-engaging foreign publishers who had previously distanced themselves. The French stand at the fair featured 206 publishing houses across 1,200 square meters, with nearly 600 French professionals present. French books were involved in over 13,500 rights transactions in 2025, a slight decrease of about 5%.