Isabelle Mandraud always wanted to be a journalist. Recruited at 23 years old by the Stratégies Group, Isabelle had a much stronger driving passion, which prevented her from staying in one place: she has always been fascinated, and even intrigued, by the USSR and Eastern Europe.
She became a freelance journalist at the age of twenty four, packed her bags and set off for 15 days alone in the USSR to discover the country and seek out subjects. The press and glasnost, the Russian publicity mirage, French companies in Moscow… On her return, numerous French newspapers published her articles.
In 1991, the Jean-Luc Lagardère Foundation grant allowed her to carry out an on-the-ground investigation into a subject that was dear to her heart: The discovery of unemployment in the Eastern bloc countries after the fall of communism in Poland, the former East Germany and Russia. These journeys were formative and enriching experiences in the life of the young roving reporter, who has, since then, enjoyed a flawless career.

Achievements since winning the grant

In 1992, Le Point published the results of the investigation supported by the Jean-Luc Lagardère Foundation.
In 1998, she joined the economics department at Libération followed by the political department at Le Monde where she is still working today and where she has become the specialist correspondent for the socialist party.
She was appointed to follow Ségolène Royal during the 2007 presidential campaign.
She is now in charge of policy matters at L