The tactics of the far right to penetrate heritage defense circles

Victoire de Didier Rykner

Thursday, July 11, Didier Rykner is overjoyed. The chief editor of La Tribune de l’art has just won a round in his battle against the replacement of the stained glass windows by Viollet-le-Duc at Notre-Dame, dating back to the 19th century, with current stained glass. The heritage commission has rejected – “unanimously,” he exults – the contemporary gesture desired by Emmanuel Macron.

Response from Far-Right Politicians

Immediately, the far-right relays the victory. “A common-sense position!”, boasts Julien Odoul, a member of the National Rally (RN) party, who, in December 2023, had distributed the petition from La Tribune de l’art. “Excellent news!”, the RN euro-deputy Catherine Griset also chimes in.

Political Views on Heritage

The RN party promises to triple the heritage budget if it were to come to power, raising it to 1 billion euros. However, the New Popular Front culture program shows no interest in heritage. Commenting on the silence of the defenders of cultural heritage during the elections, the blog Louvre pour tous questioned their stance.

Debates on Heritage and Politics

The sociologist Emmanuel Négrier summarizes the controversial views on heritage, describing the “reactionary” approach of the far-right in preserving cultural heritage. Questions arise about the true intentions and beliefs of those who align with the far-right in heritage defense. Didier Rykner weighs in on discussions about the far-right’s stance on heritage preservation, raising concerns about the party’s actions in certain regions.