Macron provokes anger over tribute to France's Nazi collaborator Pétain

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Macron provokes anger over tribute to France's Nazi collaborator Pétain

President Emmanuel Macron said on Wednesday that it was "absolutely legitimate" that France honours the role of Marshal Philippe Pétain for being a "great soldier" in World War One even if he did go on to collaborate with the Nazis in the Second World War before being jailed for treason.

Homage will paid to Marshal Philippe Pétain and other World War One French army leaders at a service at Les Invalides in Paris on Saturday as part of the commemorations to mark the 100th anniversary of the end of World War One.

Macron himself won't be present but the head of France's armed services will be there.

But given that Pétain went on to rule the so-called Vichy France regime which collaborated with the Nazis in World War Two, notably over the deportation of tens of thousands of Jews to death camps, questions have been raised over whether Pétain should be among those honoured.

However when asked about he controversial choice Macron defended Pétain - who was later imprisoned for committing treason - as one of the heros of World War One even if he did go on to make "disastrous choices" during World War Two.

"Marshall Pétain was a great soldier during World War One," said Macron. "That's a reality of our country".

"French politicians and historians have judged him, but I consider it's absolutely legitimate that we pay homage to those who led the army to victory," said Macron. "Politics like human nature is more complex than we often believe.

"You can be a great soldier during World War One and then go on to make disastrous choices during World War Two."

https://www.thelocal.fr/20181107/mac...-world-war-one