Politics · France · 18 hrs ago
French historian says far right distorts the nation’s history
French historian Vincent Duclert says the far right, particularly the National Rally, presents a distorted account of the country’s past.
He co-edited a recently published book with journalist Maria Malagardis that examines these historical claims and how to resist them.
The book includes contributions from more than 50 researchers.
Duclert argues that France’s history is rooted in liberty and republican democracy, traditions shaped by the Enlightenment and the 18th-century revolution for rights.
He says the far right instead promotes an ethnic, imperial vision of France that is hostile to foreigners and minorities.
In his view, this threatens a more inclusive idea of French identity and could replace it with exclusionary nationalism.
Historian Vincent Duclert says France’s far right distorts the country’s history and promotes a false idea of France.
He argues that its nationalism of exclusion and violence conflicts with liberty and republican democracy.
Duclert says the far right promotes an imperial, conquering and ethnic vision of France hostile to foreigners and “internal enemies.”
He co-edited a book with journalist Maria Malagardis that examines far-right distortions of history.
The book brings together contributions from more than 50 researchers.
- Who
- Historian Vincent Duclert, co-editor of a book on far-right historical distortions, discussed the issue with Le Monde.
- What
- Duclert argued that the French far right distorts the nation’s history and promotes an exclusionary nationalism.
- When
- The interview was published on October 11, 2026.
- Where
- France.
- Why
- Duclert says the distortions serve ideological goals and replace historical accuracy with a dogma of obedience.
French far right, particularly the Rassemblement National
Vincent Duclert
Patriotism
French far right, particularly the Rassemblement National
The far right claims to be patriotic and to hold a monopoly on patriotism.
Vincent Duclert
Duclert says nothing about the far right is patriotic and argues its nationalism excludes and promotes violence.
France’s national story
French far right, particularly the Rassemblement National
The far right promotes an imperial, conquering, ethnic France, according to Duclert.
Vincent Duclert
Duclert says France is a political nation shaped by liberty, republican democracy and acceptance of minorities.
Nothing about the far right is patriotic. Its victory tomorrow or in 10 years would bury the traditions that make France what it is.
The far right distorts the history of France.
At the heart of its national myth is an imperial, conquering, ethnic France, hostile to foreigners and "internal enemies.
This story does not have a timeline yet.
- Historian
- Vincent Duclert
- Book
- Les Faussaires de la nation
- Co-editor
- Journalist Maria Malagardis
- Contributors
- More than 50 researchers
- Outlet
- Le Monde EN
Sources
Related news
Glucksmann wins France’s centre-left presidential primary
Mélenchon backs French high school protests and proposes voting at 16
Mathilde Panot rejects the Pink October cancer awareness campaign
Lescure says he hopes to avoid using orders to pass France’s 2027 budget
France promises 3,000 extra teachers amid student protests
France considers dissolving Alain Soral’s far-right association
French left invokes patriotism ahead of 2027 presidential election
France’s 2027 presidential race remains uncertain
UN voices concern over violence at French student protests
Mélenchon calls for abolishing Parcoursup and voting rights at 16
French student union leader says school protests should continue during holidays
