Germany returns five books from Georges Mandel's spoliated library
Published on 26/07/2022 - Updated on 18/04/2024
On July 15, the Prime Minister presided over the ceremony for the restitution of books from the spoliated library of former minister Georges Mandel. This restitution follows a recommendation from the Commission for the compensation of victims of spoliations resulting for the anti-Semitic legislation in force during the Occupation (CIVS) in February 2021, and at the will of two German libraries (the Staatsbibliothek of Berlin and the Dresden University Library) to return them to their rightful owners.
The President of the CIVS Michel Jeannoutot opened this ceremony, before giving the floor to the German Ambassador in France, to Georges Mandel’s beneficiary and then to the Prime Minister who underlined the gesture of the German institutions, vote of confindence and reconciliation between our two countries.
This gesture also testifies to the commitment of France and Germany to continue measures for the restitution of spoliated cultural property. In France, the CIVS has had reinforced powers in this area since 2018. This Friday, July 15, the Prime Minister gave her resolute support to the work carried out by the CIVS for the outcome of the restitutions.
To download the press release: https://www.documentation-administrative.gouv.fr/adm-01859695/document To watch the ceremony: https://www.documentation-administrative.gouv.fr/adm-01859696/document