Former PM Philippe backs teacher Samuel Paty for Panthéon

Former French Prime Minister Édouard Philippe has expressed his support for interring Samuel Paty, the teacher murdered by an Islamist extremist in 2020, in the Panthéon. Philippe, now the mayor of Le Havre, stated he is "entirely ready to help" Paty's sister with the necessary steps, although the ultimate decision lies with the President of the Republic.

Philippe believes that individuals placed in the Panthéon are typically honored for their service to the Republic and France. While Samuel Paty did not "donate his life" in the traditional sense, Philippe argued that his act of continuing to teach with "intellectual honesty" in the face of danger made him a symbol of republican values. This perspective frames Paty's sacrifice as a profound, albeit tragic, contribution to the nation's ideals.

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Samuel Paty must be able to be in the Panthéon, I think.

The idea of Paty's panthéonisation has been met with consideration from other government officials. The Minister of National Education, Édouard Geffray, previously noted that the decision requires careful thought, as Paty's situation differs from historical figures honored for specific literary or scientific achievements. He acknowledged Paty as a victim of terrorism who became a symbol against his will. Similarly, Sabrina Roubache, the Minister Delegate for Vocational Education, has stated that the proposal raises questions about the most appropriate way to honor his memory.

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Samuel Paty did not donate his life, he was assassinated, but he donated his life in the sense that he continued modestly, resolutely and with intellectual honesty to teach, so that we are capable of understanding what is at stake in this country in terms of republican values.