France Simplifies Return of Looted Art to Former Colonies
French parliament votes to ease returns of looted art to ex-colonies
Hindustan Times
Image: Hindustan Times
France's parliament has approved a new law to facilitate the return of artworks looted during the colonial era to their countries of origin. This legislative move aligns with President Emmanuel Macron's commitment to address France's colonial past and is expected to increase restitution requests from nations like Algeria and Mali.
- 01New legislation allows easier return of looted artworks to former colonies.
- 02The law was unanimously supported by both houses of the French parliament.
- 03President Emmanuel Macron has acknowledged France's colonial abuses and pledged to facilitate returns.
- 04The law targets artworks acquired between 1815 and 1972.
- 05France has received numerous restitution requests from countries like Algeria, Mali, and Benin.
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On Thursday, France's parliament passed a significant law aimed at simplifying the return of artworks looted during the colonial era to their countries of origin. This legislation, which received unanimous support from both the lower and upper houses, is part of President Emmanuel Macron's broader initiative to confront France's colonial past. Macron had previously promised to facilitate the return of African cultural heritage during a speech in Burkina Faso in 2017. The new law eliminates the previous requirement for each item in the national collection to be voted on individually, allowing the government to return artworks more efficiently. It specifically addresses assets acquired between 1815 and 1972. The move is expected to lead to an increase in restitution requests from nations such as Algeria, Mali, and Benin, as France continues to grapple with its colonial history.
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This law may lead to the return of significant cultural heritage to African nations, fostering improved diplomatic relations and cultural dialogue.
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