France’s former culture minister Jack Lang has officially resigned as president of the Arab World Institute in Paris, bowing to mounting political pressure after his name surfaced repeatedly in newly released US files linked to convicted sex offender Jeffrey Epstein.
Lang, 86, one of the most recognisable cultural figures of the French left, submitted his resignation over the weekend ahead of a planned summons to the foreign ministry, which oversees the Arab World Institute.
The decision follows days of intense scrutiny after the US Department of Justice published a tranche of Epstein-related documents on 30 January.
According to his lawyer, Laurent Merlet, Lang is “very sad and deeply hurt” to be leaving a role he cherished, but chose to step aside to protect the institution.
In a letter to Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot, he insisted the accusations against him were inaccurate and said he would prove his innocence.
The foreign ministry confirmed his departure and said the process of appointing a successor had begun.
French former minister Jack Lang offers to resign from Arab World Institute amid Epstein probe
Pressure builds after Epstein revelations
Lang is the highest-profile French figure to be affected by the release of the Epstein files.
His name appeared 673 times in correspondence dated between 2012 and 2019, alongside that of his daughter, Caroline.
French investigative outlet Mediapart has reported alleged financial and business links between the Lang family and Epstein via an offshore company registered in the US Virgin Islands.
On Friday, France’s national financial prosecutor opened a preliminary investigation into Lang and his daughter over suspected aggravated tax fraud laundering. No charges have been filed at this stage.
Lang, a former Socialist heavyweight and culture minister under President François Mitterrand in the 1980s and 1990s, has led the Arab World Institute since 2013.
He is also widely credited with launching the Fête de la Musique, which has since spread around the globe.
Jack Lang’s daughter steps down from film post over Epstein revelations
Political unanimity
Reaction to his resignation was swift and strikingly unified across France’s political spectrum.
Government spokesperson Maud Bregeon said the situation had become untenable, describing Lang’s departure as “the only possible decision” and stressing the moral dimension alongside the judicial process.
Socialist Party leader Olivier Faure echoed that view, arguing that responsibility and setting an example required Lang to step down, even as the courts determine any legal responsibility.
From the opposition benches, former prime minister Michel Barnier warned against a sense of impunity among the powerful, calling it “unbearable” and a driver of populist anger.
Green MP Sandrine Rousseau said the resignation was overdue, while Sébastien Chenu of the far-right National Rally remarked that it was “about time”, citing both the tax investigation and Lang’s apparent proximity to Epstein.
The Elysée Palace and the prime minister’s office had privately urged Lang to consider the reputation of the institute, with President Emmanuel Macron’s entourage keen to avoid further damage to one of France’s flagship cultural bodies.
The presidency said it had simply “taken note” of his resignation.
(With newswires)
