France proposes potentially revolutionary restitution laws

Key facts

• Three framework laws on colonial restitution reached the French Parliament on January 16.
• One law would legally recognize Vichy regime crimes against Jews during WWII.
• French law currently considers national collection objects inalienable, requiring parliamentary vote for each return.
• President Macron promised in 2017 to return looted artifacts; a report found about 90,000 African artifacts in French museums.
• Some items from the Abomey palace in ancient Benin have been returned; a long-term loan was made to Madagascar.
• Culture Minister Rima Abdul Malak said 2023 should be a year of decisive progress on restitutions.
• The three laws are sponsored by senators Pierre Ouzoulias, Catherine Morin-Desailly, and Max Brisson.
• The bill on colonial-era artifacts is guided by former Louvre director Jean-Luc Martinez.
• If approved, laws would create a cataloging plan for objects of dubious provenance, especially human remains.
• Special committees of experts including counterparts from requesting countries would determine if objects can be removed from collections.