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Radio France Internationale
Radio France Internationale
National
RFI

Petain tribute comments raise 'revisionist' storm in France

France World War I Laurent Nunez Verdun World War II Memory
A woman holds a placard reading "catholic, not fascist" during a protest in front of the Saint-Jean-Baptiste church, where takes place a religious ceremony "in homage to Marshal Pétain and his soldiers" organised by ADMP (Association to Defend the Memory of Marshal Petain) in Verdun, northeastern France on November 15, 2025. AFP - JEAN-CHRISTOPHE VERHAEGEN

A senior French official said Saturday he would take legal action over comments made following a tribute to Philippe Petain, France's wartime head of state convicted of treason after World War II.

The row is the latest controversy over the legacy of Petain, a World War I hero disgraced for his collaboration with the Nazis.

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