The Epstein case: French Foreign Ministry summons Jack Lang for explanations

Anna Kramarenko
Anna Kramarenko Editor-in-Chief
The Epstein case: French Foreign Ministry summons Jack Lang for explanations
President of the Arab World Institute and former Minister of Culture Jacques Lang, 7 May 2022, Paris
French authorities are stepping up investigations into the Epstein case and have summoned former culture minister Jack Lang for official questioning.

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.

Share tittle
Society
Radio stations and TV channels may have to change their frequencies for defence reasons
Society

Radio stations and TV channels may have to change their frequencies for defence reasons

Ukrainian radio stations and television channels, whose frequencies have been temporarily reallocated for defence and security purposes, will be able to switch to new broadcast channels. For some listeners and viewers, this may mean having to retune their radio or T2 television set.

22.07.2026
Gas and electricity tariffs for households in Ukraine are set to rise from 2027 – a memorandum with the IMF
Society

Gas and electricity tariffs for households in Ukraine are set to rise from 2027 – a memorandum with the IMF

Ukraine may begin a gradual increase in gas and electricity tariffs for households as early as 2027. This scenario is set out in the updated Memorandum on Economic and Financial Policies, which the Ukrainian authorities have agreed with the IMF. However, no final decision has yet been made – the document itself does not imply an automatic increase in tariffs.

22.07.2026
In Ukraine, the death rate is four times higher than the birth rate
Society

In Ukraine, the death rate is four times higher than the birth rate

In the first six months of 2026, 73,292 children were born in Ukraine, whilst 259,853 people died. The death rate is therefore almost four times higher than the birth rate.

22.07.2026
5G is now available in central Kyiv: how to get connected
Society

5G is now available in central Kyiv: how to get connected

Large-scale testing of fifth-generation mobile networks has begun in Kyiv. Owners of compatible smartphones can use 5G, although coverage depends on the network operator and the specific area of the city.

22.07.2026
The SAP is looking for a communications officer: up to 165 euros a day on offer
Society

The SAP is looking for a communications officer: up to 165 euros a day on offer

The Specialised Anti-Corruption Prosecutor’s Office (SAPO) has announced that it is seeking a communications expert. The vacancy has been advertised as part of an international technical assistance project aimed at strengthening the capacity of anti-corruption bodies in Ukraine.

22.07.2026
Events
An unusual toilet seat competition was held in Russia
Society

An unusual toilet seat competition was held in Russia

In Stavropol, Russia, a sanitaryware manufacturer ran a promotional campaign that caused quite a stir on social media. Visitors to one of the shopping centres were invited to drink a soft drink from the new toilet bowls, and then take part in another unusual challenge

19.07.2026
Russia has lost 75 per cent of the capacity of the Kerch ferry crossing
War

Russia has lost 75 per cent of the capacity of the Kerch ferry crossing

Robert Brovdi (call sign ‘Madyar’), Commander of the Ukrainian Armed Forces’ Unmanned Systems Forces, stated that as a result of Operation ‘MoLoChKa’, which took place over a two-week period in July, Russia lost approximately 75 per cent of the Kerch ferry crossing’s capacity

19.07.2026
In Greece, a driver rammed his car into the entrance to a military base
Society

In Greece, a driver rammed his car into the entrance to a military base

In the town of Argos-Orestiko in northern Greece, a 52-year-old man was arrested after he drove his car into the main entrance to a military base. According to preliminary reports, the driver was under the influence of alcohol at the time of the incident.

19.07.2026
The President of Hungary has signed a law providing for his resignation
Politics

The President of Hungary has signed a law providing for his resignation

The President of Hungary, Tamás Szujók, has signed a constitutional amendment providing for the early termination of his term of office. The document marked the final stage of a political process that had lasted several months following an initiative by Prime Minister Péter Magyar’s government

19.07.2026
The editor-in-chief of *Fakty* has reported that his daughter was attacked in the centre of Kyiv
Society

The editor-in-chief of *Fakty* has reported that his daughter was attacked in the centre of Kyiv

Oleksandr Shvets, editor-in-chief of the publication *Fakty*, has stated that his eldest daughter was assaulted at a public transport stop in the centre of Kyiv. According to him, the incident took place a few days ago on Lesya Ukrainka Boulevard

19.07.2026
Crime
Two suspects have been arrested in the Chernihiv region on suspicion of plotting to carry out acts of sabotage on the railway at the behest of the Russian Federation
Crime

Two suspects have been arrested in the Chernihiv region on suspicion of plotting to carry out acts of sabotage on the railway at the behest of the Russian Federation

Law enforcement officers have detained two people suspected of plotting to blow up a section of railway track in the Chernihiv region. According to the investigation, they were acting on behalf of the Russian security services and planned to derail a freight locomotive.

22.07.2026
A criminal gang has been uncovered in Zaporizhzhia in connection with the theft of property worth nearly 2 million hryvnias
Crime

A criminal gang has been uncovered in Zaporizhzhia in connection with the theft of property worth nearly 2 million hryvnias

Law enforcement officers have uncovered an organised criminal group whose members are suspected of stealing commercial refrigeration equipment from a warehouse in Zaporizhzhia. During the searches, a large cache of weapons, ammunition and substantial sums of cash were seized.

22.07.2026
The director of a private company has been notified that he is under suspicion in a case involving the embezzlement of nearly 68 million hryvnias whilst responsible for the security of an energy facility
Crime

The director of a private company has been notified that he is under suspicion in a case involving the embezzlement of nearly 68 million hryvnias whilst responsible for the security of an energy facility

Law enforcement officers have notified the director of a private company that he is under suspicion in a case involving the misappropriation of nearly 68 million hryvnias allocated for the refurbishment and construction of protective structures for one of the energy infrastructure facilities in the Mykolaiv region. According to the investigation, the work was never actually carried out.

22.07.2026
Law enforcement officers have uncovered six new schemes to evade mobilisation in various regions of Ukraine
Crime

Law enforcement officers have uncovered six new schemes to evade mobilisation in various regions of Ukraine

The Security Service of Ukraine, the State Bureau of Investigations and the National Police have announced that they have uncovered six new schemes to evade mobilisation. According to the investigation, 15 organisers of these schemes have been detained, and more than 200 conscripts took advantage of one of the schemes.

22.07.2026
Two so-called rehabilitation centres in Kharkiv have been exposed for illegally detaining people
Crime

Two so-called rehabilitation centres in Kharkiv have been exposed for illegally detaining people

In Kharkiv, law enforcement officers have shut down two so-called rehabilitation centres where, according to the investigation, people with drug and alcohol addictions were unlawfully detained, isolated from the outside world and forced to work for free. Six suspects have been served with notices of suspicion.

22.07.2026