An international coalition of literary heavyweights, including celebrated Irish author Sally Rooney and French Nobel Prize winner Annie Ernaux, has launched a stinging rebuke of President Emmanuel Macron's government. The cause? France's controversial suspension of a vital writers' residency programme dedicated to authors from Gaza.
The powerful open letter, signed by over 200 luminaries from the world of literature and published by Le Monde, accuses the French state of an act of "censorship" and a failure to uphold its duty to protect cultural freedom. The programme, a lifeline for Palestinian writers, was abruptly halted by the French Institute following the Hamas-led attacks on Israel on October 7th and the subsequent devastating war in Gaza.
A Betrayal of Cultural Values
The signatories, which include towering figures like John Banville, Geoff Dyer, and Colm Tóibín, argue that the decision constitutes a "collective punishment" against Palestinian culture. They passionately contend that in times of conflict, the voices of writers and artists become more crucial than ever, offering indispensable perspectives and fostering understanding.
"This decision represents a serious blow to the possibility of dialogue and the necessary circulation of ideas," the letter states, framing the move as a direct contradiction to France's historic role as a champion of free expression and cultural exchange.
Mounting Pressure on the Élysée
The literary protest adds to the growing pressure on President Macron. The initial suspension had already prompted a fierce backlash from within France's own cultural sphere, with dozens of organisations and figures condemning the move. PEN International, the global writers' association dedicated to defending free expression, has also vocally criticised the French Institute's decision, demanding its immediate reversal.
This united front from the world's most respected authors transforms the issue from a bureaucratic dispute into a major ethical stand. It places the Macron administration in the difficult position of either reversing its decision and appeasing a significant portion of the global intellectual community or facing continued accusations of silencing vulnerable voices.
The message from the literary world is clear: culture must not be a casualty of war.
