Robert Badinter Enters Panthéon, Honored for Abolition of Death Penalty in France

National Homage to a 'Figure of the Century'

Robert Badinter, the esteemed former Justice Minister and a towering figure in French legal history, is being formally inducted into the Panthéon in Paris on Thursday, October 9, 2025. The solemn ceremony, presided over by President Emmanuel Macron, coincides with the 44th anniversary of the promulgation of the law that abolished the death penalty in France, a landmark achievement spearheaded by Badinter. His entry into this national mausoleum, reserved for France's most distinguished citizens, posthumously honors his profound contributions to human rights and justice.

A Life Dedicated to Justice and Human Rights

Born in 1928, Robert Badinter, who passed away in February 2024 at the age of 95, was a lawyer, politician, and author. His commitment to abolishing capital punishment intensified after he witnessed the execution of his client, Roger Bontems, in 1972. As Justice Minister under President François Mitterrand in 1981, Badinter championed the bill that led to the abolition of the death penalty, despite significant public opposition at the time. His powerful speech to the National Assembly on September 17, 1981, was instrumental in securing the passage of the law, which was officially enacted on October 9, 1981. Beyond this pivotal reform, Badinter also fought against racism, antisemitism, and for the decriminalization of homosexuality, embodying a 'republican conscience' and a 'figure of the century'.

The Panthéon: A Symbol of National Gratitude

The Panthéon, located in the 5th arrondissement of Paris, serves as a national necropolis and a monument dedicated to honoring illustrious French men and women who have significantly shaped the nation's history and values. Badinter joins other revered figures such as Victor Hugo, Marie Curie, and Simone Veil, whose remains are interred within its walls. The building, originally conceived as a church dedicated to Saint Genevieve, was transformed during the French Revolution into a secular temple to celebrate national heroes.

Ceremony Details and Public Homage

The panthéonisation ceremony for Robert Badinter is a meticulously planned event. It began with a vigil on October 8 at the Constitutional Council, an institution Badinter once presided over, allowing the public to pay their respects. On October 9, the coffin will be transported along Rue Soufflot before being welcomed under the dome of the Panthéon. President Macron will deliver a speech, and singer Julien Clerc will perform his symbolic song 'L'Assassin assassiné', which addresses the fight against capital punishment. Badinter's widow, Élisabeth Badinter, was closely involved in the preparations, ensuring that his lawyer's robe and three significant books—'Idiss', 'Choses vues' by Victor Hugo, and a biography of Nicolas Condorcet—were placed in his coffin. He will be interred in the 'caveau des révolutionnaires de 1789'.