The Epstein case: French Foreign Ministry summons Jack Lang for explanations
The French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs has summoned former Minister of Culture and President of the Arab World Institute Jack Lang for questioning in connection with the case of American financier Jeffrey Epstein. This was announced by Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, who noted that Lang will be received at the ministry on Sunday, 8 February.
The decision to summon him was made after the US Department of Justice released a large amount of material. According to French media, Jack Lang's name is mentioned 673 times in the documents. The Élysée Palace and the Prime Minister's residence at Matignon emphasised that the former minister must provide explanations regarding his contacts, given the reputation of the institution he heads.
Jack Lang, 86, has previously ruled out the possibility of resigning, claiming he was naive in his dealings with Epstein. At the same time, the French government has made it clear that he should consider the interests of the Arab World Institute, which is a landmark cultural institution in the country.
A special feature of the situation is that the Arab World Institute is largely funded by the state. The annual subsidy from the Foreign Ministry of €12.3 million accounts for about half of the institution's budget. Lang's formal dismissal without the consent of the Arab states represented on the board of directors is currently impossible.
French political circles continue to debate the appropriateness of his remaining in office. Socialist Party leader Olivier Faure said that at this stage there is no evidence of Lang's involvement in sexual crimes, but he should consider resigning to protect the institution's reputation.