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French Foreign Ministry to Question Jack Lang on Epstein Ties This Sunday

The government seeks to safeguard the Arab World Institute’s reputation under growing scrutiny.

Jeffrey Epstein et Jack Lang se connaissent depuis longtemps. [Bertrand GUAY / AFP]
Jack Lang a exclu de démissionner de son poste de président de l’Institut du monde arabe, malgré la publication le 30 janvier 2026 d’échanges qu’il a pu avoir avec Jeffrey Epstein.
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Overview

  • Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot said Lang will be received Sunday and described initial elements of the file as unprecedented and extremely serious while reserving all options regarding Lang’s mandate.
  • The Élysée and Matignon asked the ministry to summon him, the Quai d’Orsay confirmed the convocation, and the IMA’s state subvention of €12.3 million represents about half its budget.
  • Mediapart reported emails suggesting Epstein covered a car and driver for Lang via the offshore vehicle Prytanee LLC, claims Lang disputes by saying he never had a car or chauffeur and that taxis may have been used.
  • Lang has rejected resigning and maintains he knew nothing of Epstein’s crimes, his name appears roughly 673 times in the newly released U.S. documents, and no charges have been filed against him.
  • Calls for his departure have widened across the political spectrum, with PS leader Olivier Faure urging him to consider stepping down and figures such as Ségolène Royal and Renaud Muselier warning his continued tenure damages the institution, while his daughter Caroline resigned from industry roles after offshore revelations.