Marc Bloch: Family Rejects Presence of Extreme Right at the Panthéon

Paris – 23.06.2026: On June 23, 2026, the French historian and resistance fighter Marc Bloch was laid to rest at the Panthéon in Paris. His family, represented by his wife Simonne Vidal and his great-grandson Matis Bloch, emphasized that no representatives of the extreme right would attend the ceremony. Matis Bloch criticized the inappropriate appropriation of his ancestor’s work, who had co-founded the journal “Annales d’histoire économique et sociale.”

Marc Bloch, born in 1886, was a significant French historian and co-founder of the Annales School, which promoted an interdisciplinary approach to historical studies. During World War II, he was active in the resistance against the German occupation and was arrested and executed by the Gestapo in 1944.

The Bloch family stressed the importance of honoring Marc Bloch’s legacy in a manner consistent with his values and beliefs. Therefore, they rejected the participation of extreme right representatives in the ceremony to prevent an inappropriate appropriation of his work.

Matis Bloch criticized the inappropriate appropriation of his ancestor’s work, who had co-founded the influential journal “Annales d’histoire économique et sociale.” This journal is regarded as influential in the development of modern historiography and stands in opposition to the ideologies of the extreme right.

The family’s decision to exclude representatives of the extreme right from the ceremony was seen by many as a step to preserve the integrity of Marc Bloch’s historical heritage and that of his family. It underscored the importance of honoring historical figures in a context that aligns with their convictions and commitments.

The ceremony at the Panthéon, the national mausoleum of France, was attended by numerous historians, politicians, and citizens who honored Marc Bloch’s contribution to French history and culture. His family emphasized the significance of honoring his legacy in a context consistent with his values and beliefs.

The rejection of the participation of extreme right representatives at the ceremony was widely viewed as a step toward preserving the integrity of Marc Bloch’s historical heritage and his family’s. It highlighted the importance of honoring historical personalities in a context that reflects their convictions and dedication.

The Bloch family emphasized the importance of honoring Marc Bloch’s legacy in a context that aligns with his values and beliefs. Accordingly, they refused the presence of extreme right representatives at the ceremony to prevent inappropriate appropriation of his work.

The family’s decision to exclude extreme right representatives from the ceremony was seen by many as a move to safeguard the integrity of Marc Bloch’s historical legacy and that of his family. It emphasized the importance of honoring historical figures in a manner consistent with their beliefs and engagement.