On Friday, September 25, the first major presidential debate on artificial intelligence (AI) took place at the Stade Vélodrome in Marseille as part of the Artificial Intelligence Marseille (AIM) fair. The event, organized by several news outlets, brought together eight political figures representing different parties in France. The candidates discussed their positions on AI, with most expressing a generally positive outlook, though some raised concerns about its societal and environmental impact. David Cormand, representing the Greens, was the most critical, questioning AI's role in society, while Manuel Bompard of La France insoumise emphasized the need for balance and control. Sarah Knafo acknowledged both the risks and opportunities AI presents, and Alexandre Loubet warned that if humanity does not master AI, it may suffer its consequences. The debate also focused on AI's impact on employment. Left-wing candidates, such as Olivier Faure of the Socialist Party, expressed concerns about job losses and proposed an "AI dividend" to support affected workers. In contrast, center and right-wing candidates like Paul Midy of Renaissance and Xavier Bertrand of the Republicans argued that innovation has historically created new jobs and stressed the importance of training workers for AI-related fields. Laurent Marcangeli proposed a dedicated training fund for AI, while Sarah Knafo opposed teaching children to use AI tools directly, preferring to focus on foundational knowledge instead. Another major topic was the role of data centers in AI development. Concerns were raised about the influence of American laws, such as the Cloud Act, which allows U.S. authorities to access data stored abroad. Xavier Bertrand, who aims to position Hauts-de-France as a European hub for data centers, defended the project. Manuel Bompard, however, called for a temporary halt on non-sovereign data centers and advocated for French-controlled facilities. Olivier Faure raised environmental concerns, pointing to the potential ecological damage of a proposed data center in Fouju. On the subject of AI regulation, opinions varied. Sarah Knafo believed that current French laws are adequate, while Olivier Faure and Manuel Bompard supported additional regulation. Bompard even suggested creating an institution similar to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) to oversee AI. David Cormand argued that European regulations already exist but are not properly enforced. Laurent Marcangeli felt that regulation alone is insufficient and proposed the development of French and European social networks and AI tools. Funding for AI development was also discussed, with proposals ranging from public investment to a sovereign fund that would redirect savings toward innovation and the real economy. The debate underscored the wide range of perspectives on AI, from calls for a temporary halt and greater sovereignty to a focus on opportunity and mastery of development. While some candidates emphasized the need for caution and regulation, others saw AI as a key driver of progress and economic growth.