Jack Lang Urged to Resign from Paris’ Arab World Institute Amid Epstein Scandal
Former French Minister Jack Lang faces growing calls for his resignation from the Arab World Institute (IMA) amid revelations of his connections to Jeffrey Epstein. Lang, who has led the IMA since 2013, is expected to address these issues during a meeting with the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs on Sunday.
Investigation into Connections with Epstein
Lang’s links to the disgraced financier were brought to light following the release of extensive documents by U.S. authorities on January 30. These documents indicated that Lang’s name appeared 673 times, raising significant concerns about his relationship with Epstein, who was convicted of sex offenses.
Government Response and Financial Context
The French government, which provides an annual subsidy of €12.3 million to the IMA, called for Lang to reconsider his position for the sake of the institution. French Foreign Minister Jean-Noël Barrot emphasized the importance of this reflection during his remarks from Erbil in Iraqi Kurdistan.
- Key Dates:
- January 30: Release of documents detailing Epstein’s connections.
- Sunday: Lang’s scheduled meeting with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
- Annual IMA Budget:
- €12.3 million coming from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Despite the mounting pressure to resign, Lang has stated he will not step down, attributing his past associations with Epstein to “naïveté.” He claims he was unaware of Epstein’s criminal background when they first met around 15 years ago, facilitated by filmmaker Woody Allen.
Sparking Political Controversy
The political landscape has reacted strongly, with members of Lang’s own party urging him to resign. Marine Tondelier, leader of the Ecologists, suggested that his departure is necessary and should have been a personal realization for Lang. Olivier Faure, head of the Socialist Party, echoed similar sentiments, stressing the need for Lang to think about the institution’s reputation.
Impact on Family
Lang’s family has also faced repercussions from the scandal. His daughter, Caroline Lang, resigned from her position at a production union following disclosures regarding an offshore company founded with Epstein in 2016. She defended her father, stating their friendship was not intimate and expressed disbelief at Epstein’s actions.
As debates continue within political circles, the future of Jack Lang at the IMA remains uncertain. The complexity of his situation is compounded by the IMA’s status as a private foundation created in 1980, which he has led through four terms. His appointment is overseen by a board that includes ambassadors from Arab nations and individuals selected by the Foreign Ministry.
