Why hommage Is Trending Today?

Verdun, a French town known for its significant role in World War I, has sparked controversy with a mass held in honor of Philippe Pétain, a controversial figure who served as the leader of Vichy France during World War II. The event, organized by a local association, has drawn criticism from various groups, including Jewish organizations and political figures, who view Pétain as a symbol of collaboration with Nazi Germany. The mass, held on the anniversary of Pétain's death, has reignited debates about France's complex history and the appropriate ways to remember its past.

A controversial mass honoring Philippe Pétain was held in Verdun, sparking public outrage and leading to two complaints filed by the Meuse prefect. The event, which took place in a tense atmosphere, was criticized for its revisionist views and the closure of the church to the public. The mayor of Verdun, Samuel Hazard, expressed his disappointment and attempted to prevent the mass, stating that Pétain is "the antithesis of humanity." The mayor's lawyer, Fabrice Hagnier, condemned the event for promoting revisionist theses. Local residents, including Mariette who identified herself as "Catho mais pas facho" (Catholic but not a fascist), protested against the mass. Despite the mayor's efforts, the justice system allowed the mass to proceed.

Robert Badinter, a prominent French lawyer and politician, was honored with a national tribute at the Panthéon in Paris on October 9, 2025. The ceremony, attended by President Emmanuel Macron and other dignitaries, commemorated Badinter's significant role in the abolition of the death penalty in France. Macron praised Badinter's commitment to human rights and the principles of the Republic. The event was marked by several notable moments, including a performance by singer Julien Clerc and speeches by Macron and other prominent figures. Despite the solemnity of the occasion, the ceremony was characterized by sobriety and restraint. However, the day was marred by the profanation of Badinter's tomb, which sparked outrage and condemnation from the political class.

Ilan Halimi, a French Jewish man who was kidnapped, tortured, and murdered in 2006, has once again become the subject of controversy and outrage. An olive tree planted in his memory in Épinay-sur-Seine was abruptly cut down, an act that President Emmanuel Macron condemned as "seeking to kill him a second time." The incident has been widely condemned as an act of hate and anti-Semitism, with politicians and community leaders calling for severe punishment for the perpetrators. Despite the destruction, many have vowed that no crime can erase Halimi's memory.