Biographer of Marc Bloch Criticizes Instrumentalization by the Rassemblement National

Paris – June 23, 2026: Marc Bloch, a prominent French historian and resistance fighter, was today inducted into the Panthéon alongside Simonne Vidal. Olivier Lévy-Dumoulin, Bloch’s biographer, expressed criticism of the repeated references to the resistance fighter by the Rassemblement National (RN). He described this practice as “opportunism” and regretted the instrumentalization of Bloch’s legacy by the party.

Marc Bloch, born in 1886, was a renowned historian and co-founder of the Annales School. During World War II, he joined the resistance and was arrested and executed by the Gestapo in 1944. His work and his resistance remain a symbol of the fight against oppression and for the freedom of thought to this day.

The Rassemblement National, a right-wing populist party in France, has repeatedly referenced Marc Bloch in the past to support its political positions. This practice was sharply criticized by Olivier Lévy-Dumoulin. He emphasized that Bloch’s commitment to the resistance and his values are incompatible with the political goals of the RN. Lévy-Dumoulin warned of a distortion of history and an abusive appropriation of Bloch’s legacy.

The induction of Marc Bloch and Simonne Vidal into the Panthéon was celebrated as recognition of their contribution to the resistance and French history. Numerous politicians and historians praised their courage and willingness to sacrifice. However, the controversy surrounding the instrumentalization of Bloch’s legacy by the Rassemblement National raises questions about the political appropriation of historical figures.

In France’s current political landscape, the discussion about the appropriate honoring of resistance fighters and the responsibility of politics in dealing with their history remains highly significant. The events surrounding the induction of Marc Bloch and Simonne Vidal into the Panthéon underscore the complexity of this issue and the need for a nuanced engagement with the past.

Olivier Lévy-Dumoulin’s critical stance toward the instrumentalization of Marc Bloch by the Rassemblement National reflects a broader debate about the political appropriation of historical personalities. It remains to be seen how this discussion will develop in the future and what impact it will have on political culture in France.

The events surrounding the induction of Marc Bloch and Simonne Vidal into the Panthéon and the associated controversy about the instrumentalization of Bloch’s legacy by the Rassemblement National raise fundamental questions about the responsibility of politics in dealing with history. A careful and respectful engagement with the past is essential to preserve and promote the values of freedom and resistance.

Overall, the current debate highlights the challenges associated with the political appropriation of historical figures. It is crucial to understand and appreciate history in its complexity to avoid misunderstandings and distortions.