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Robert Badinter’s Panthéon Ceremony Set for October 9, With Public Wake and Expanded Access

France will spotlight his abolitionist fight and rule-of-law legacy on the anniversary of the 1981 ban on capital punishment.

Overview

  • The Élysée says the one-hour ceremony will begin around 7 p.m., follow the traditional ascent of rue Soufflot, include a presidential address under the nave, and conclude with interment in the 1789 Revolutionaries’ vault.
  • The Conseil constitutionnel will host a public wake starting Wednesday at 7 p.m., with a noon cannon salute in the Palais-Royal gardens on Thursday and a 5 p.m. transfer of the coffin to the Panthéon.
  • Julien Clerc will perform L’Assassin assassiné, Guillaume Gallienne will read Victor Hugo, and selected pleadings and speeches by Badinter will be read during the tribute.
  • Élisabeth Badinter closely guided the choice of texts as the presidency adapts the scenography to welcome large crowds along rue Soufflot, which it describes as exceptional.
  • This will be Emmanuel Macron’s fifth panthéonization, with the program themed around memory, justice, and abolition, and framed by Badinter’s broader reforms, including advances in victims’ rights.