France is taking a major step toward returning artifacts looted during colonization, with a new bill that streamlines the restitution process. Presented by Culture Minister Rachida Dati, the legislation would allow the government to return items by decree, bypassing lengthy parliamentary votes, if they were illegally acquired between 1815 and 1972. Though the bill avoids the term “colonization,” its focus clearly points to France’s imperial past, especially in Africa. The bill proposes establishing a scientific commission to verify claims for items whose statuses are unclear, ensuring that only illegally obtained items are repatriated. With thousands of restitution requests pending, the bill’s supporters hope this move sparks real momentum. If passed, France would join Belgium as one of the few nations with a clear legal path for returning cultural heritage.
RFI
