Lately, the France is going through a period of political inactivity in the field of reforms, however National Assembly It shows a particular activity in the emergence and correction of certain historical injustices. Two years after the disputed reform to increase the retirement threshold to 64 years, a recent proposal for its removal was recently voted.

Although this development is symbolic and has no direct legal consequences, it further shakes the already tense political landscape in the country, in particular after the RasseMBement National (Rn) has decisively supported the left wing in achieving a majority. From last summer’s parliamentary elections, structural reforms They seem to be frozen, as the government lacks the absolute parliamentary majority.

Returning to ‘Memory’ and identifying injustice

In the field of politicsHowever, almost unprecedented mobility is recorded. Just within a week, the MPs voted three major legislation that redefines the French attitude towards historical issues or bring to the forefront.

Case

On June 2, 2025, the French National Assembly unanimously approved the posthumous upgrading of Alfred Dreyfus to the rank of brigade. The Officer was convicted in 1894 for betrayal with false information – “The story of Dreyfus became a symbol of injustice and anti -Semitism in France”. The political and national dimension of the case has been enormous, as it was linked to the climate of rivalry of the time over Germany. Although in 1906 Dreyfus received a recovery and served in World War I as Lieutenant Colonel, the return of prices he delayed dramatically. Its promotion is expected to be approved by the Senate for approval. According to party MP Macron MP Charles Zitchenstul, rapporteur of the proposal, “The anti -Semitism that the Dreyefus has met does not belong to the distant past”.

Repatriated by Vietnam and Haiti

The following day, the National Assembly adopted a bill to recognize and compensate those repatriated by Vietnam after the end of the French colonial presence (1954). About 44,000 people, including military, families and Vietnamese associates, were found under particularly difficult conditions in temporary wooden camps. The new law provides for compensation based on the time of stay in the camps, with a potentially 1,600 beneficiaries.

On June 5, the injustices at the expense of Haiti were also recognized, as France perpetuated the country’s financial difficulty. The resolution, coming from the Communist Party, provides for official recognition and claims of compensation, but without specific binding provisions.

Conflict of substance and symbolism

OR France It maintains a long tradition of such resolutions – the example of 2001, when it recognized slave trade as a “crime against humanity”. However, experts are divided: Some believe that these initiatives indicate social maturity and willingness to take on historical responsibilities. Others emphasize that, in conditions of political immobilization, these symbolic actions are more easily taken from substantive reforms in fields such as retirement, education or public finances.

Curated by: George Passas