Jack Lang praises Saudi Arabia and its ‘magnifique’ reforms

A former French minister of culture under President François Mitterrand, Jack Lang’s name is synonymous with some of the cultural projects he initiated. To the public, he is best known for founding the country’s annual Fête de la Musique celebration back in 1982, but he also introduced free museum visits, established theatre prizes, and co-founded a theatres’ union.

Now 84, Lang has been reappointed president of the Institut du Monde Arabe (the Arab World Institute) in Paris. This makes it his fourth term, with his involvement beginning in 2013.

From a family with Jewish heritage who lost loved ones in the Holocaust, Lang’s long and deep relationship with the Arab world is a story on its own. Al Majalla spoke to him in Paris about his first attachment to the Arab world, the transformations of Arab capitals, Islamophobia, the status of the Arabic language in France, and his admiration for changes in Saudi Arabia.

Your relationship with the Arab world is described as intimate. Can you tell us when you first heard the word ‘Arabs’?

I don’t remember exactly when, but I must have been quite young, in high school, maybe 14 or 15 years old. There was a war in Algeria. I supported the Algerians against the colonialists.

For decades, you have visited Arab capitals and cities like Beirut, Damascus, and Sana'a. How do you view the current situation in these cities? How has it evolved?

My first visit to an Arab country was to Egypt when I was 17. I visited Cairo and Alexandria. That same year, I travelled to Beirut, Baalbek, and Zahle in Lebanon. I was amazed by the beauty and grandeur of these cities.

At the age of 20, I formed a theatre group in the city of Nancy, and we presented Aeschylus’ play Seven Against Thebes in the village of Rashaya in Lebanon. There, I met (the singer) Fairuz and the (musician) Rahbani brothers for the first time.

Then, at age 25, I visited Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia. Later, after assuming the presidency of the Institute du Monde Arabe, I became familiar with the Arab Gulf countries.

You have known these Arab capitals for many years now. What do you make of the wars and damage that they have endured?

Generalisations are possible, but each country has its own unique characteristics. Take, for example, the countries of the Maghreb. The Kingdom of Morocco is currently thriving, both culturally and economically. Algeria—a large and beautiful country with an impressive youth population—also holds great potential.

Tunisia, on the other hand, is experiencing a crisis. I stood in solidarity with the youth against Ben Ali and was very happy with their victory, but the current situation is challenging.

Lebanon is another fascinating country with tremendous potential but faces numerous difficulties. Nonetheless, we should place our trust in the younger generation, whose energy is stronger than the political divisions.

Sudan, unfortunately, has become a victim of civil war. There is hope that Arab countries will work to support it in finding a path to peace.

The Arab Gulf countries seem to be in good shape. The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, in particular, is one of the most magnificent and amazing countries.

It is a large nation. Its young people are motivated, and its leaders have a smart, strategic vision for development, emphasising support for culture, education, and young people.

While I cannot speak about all the Gulf countries, the United Arab Emirates stands out, having undergone impressive changes for many years.