Former French Prime Minister Édouard Philippe maintains controversial stance on colonization

He again declined to label colonization itself as a "crime," while acknowledging the numerous acts of violence and atrocities committed during that period. Philippe had previously sparked controversy in late 2025 by stating that colonization could not be considered a crime in itself. He affirmed his stance, saying, "I am not in favor of colonization, I find that a great many crimes were committed."

He specifically recognized "abominable crimes" committed in Sétif, Algeria, and in Madagascar. However, he believes it is necessary to distinguish between crimes committed during the colonial period and the legal and historical classification of colonization itself. Philippe drew a parallel with war, suggesting that while many crimes are committed during war, war itself is not universally labeled a crime.

He argued that condemning colonization as a "historical crime" would imply that all who participated in it across different eras, particularly in the 18th and 19th centuries, were criminals, without considering historical contexts. He stated, "To say that it is in itself a crime... seems inaccurate to me." This statement is likely to reignite criticism, especially in Africa and French overseas territories where the memory of colonization remains sensitive.

Critics argue that acknowledging crimes without classifying coloniz