The departure of seven magistrates out of nine in February threatens the work of the commission. The Commission for the restitution of property and compensation for victims of anti-Semitic spoliations (CIVS) Since its creation in 1999, the CIVS has processed more than 36,000 cases and recommended the payment of some 550 million euros in compensation.
But the departure in February of 7 of the 9 rapporteurs — judicial or administrative magistrates responsible for examining the cases — shakes the institution. It fuels among some the fear of a loss of efficiency and competence, to the detriment of the applicants. Management assumes managerial control and ensures that the situation will not affect its operations. It has, moreover, added that the scope of action has, additionally, been expanded to cover a wider range of cases. It is now possible to apply for compensation for crimes committed under the Vichy regime, such as the looting of apartments and the “Aryanization” of Jewish businesses.