Could the Statue of Liberty Return to France After Raphaël Glucksmann’s Provocation?
Could the Statue of Liberty truly make a return to its original home in France? A homecoming for this iconic symbol of freedom would likely be warmly welcomed there.
The Statue of Liberty: A Gift to Be Returned?
European Parliament member Raphaël Glucksmann sparked controversy by suggesting that the Americans should “return” the Statue of Liberty. This bold proposal was met with strong reactions from the White House, with the U.S. administration deeming it both politically unthinkable and technically unfeasible.
A Provocative Request
During the Place Publique party congress, Glucksmann made this provocative request to criticize the perceived shift of the U.S. “towards the side of tyrants.”
“We will tell the Americans who have chosen to side with tyrants, to those who dismiss researchers for exercising scientific freedom, ‘give us back the Statue of Liberty. It was a gift to you, but apparently, you despise it. It would be better off back here with us'”, stated the MEP.
The Statue of Liberty, An Irretrievable Gift?
Is it even possible to reclaim the Statue of Liberty? The answer is no, according to American historian Edward Berenson. Given as a gift by the French people to the Americans, it has been the property of the U.S. government since its dedication in 1886.
Moreover, it has been listed as a National Monument since 1924 and a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1984. Berenson also notes that the statue, designed by Auguste Bartholdi and Gustave Eiffel, stands on a pedestal funded and constructed by American donors.
A Debate on American Ideals
Beyond the restitution issue, Glucksmann aims to spark a debate on the ideals the Statue of Liberty represents: freedom, peace, human rights, democracy, and the abolition of slavery. He believes these values are being undermined by the Trump administration.
By calling for “democratic resistance,” Glucksmann seeks to counter what he views as an authoritarian drift in the United States.