This apprehension follows President Emmanuel Macron’s recent dissolution of the National Assembly on June 9, leading to an early election process. In the first round of voting on June 30, the far-right National Rally (RN) party emerged as the frontrunner.
With the RN and its allies securing more than 33% of the vote, there is a growing concern among Muslims about the possible establishment of a far-right government. Historically, the far right has advocated for measures such as banning Muslim headscarves in public spaces and prohibiting the halal slaughter of animals.
Leaders within the Muslim community have voiced their fears regarding potential restrictions on their religious practices and the possibility of being marginalized as “second-class” citizens.
In response to the rising influence of the far right, a conference titled “For the Republic, For France” was recently held at the Great Mosque of Paris. This event was attended by prominent figures such as Chems-Eddine Hafiz, rector of the Great Mosque of Paris; Kamel Kabtane, rector of the Great Mosque of Lyon; and Azzedine Taibi, mayor of Stains, along with representatives from various civil society organizations.
Hafiz called upon all citizens, irrespective of their beliefs, to participate in the second round of voting on July 7.
“These are crucial days for the future of France. We must stand against the ideology and policies of the National Rally party,” he stated.
Hafiz emphasized that the RN’s agenda is rooted in Islamophobia and fear, stressing that Muslims should not be scapegoated for societal issues that arise from other causes. He reminded everyone that the parents of Muslim citizens contributed significantly to the construction of modern France.
“This is not about politics; it’s about standing against a threat that affects all of us,” he said.
Pointing out that the Great Mosque of Paris was built in honor of Muslims who died fighting for France, Hafiz called on religious institutions of all faiths to oppose the rise of the far right. He urged the French people to unite against fear and division.
Kabtane highlighted the alarming rhetoric from some RN politicians about banning headscarves and closing mosques, which only fuels anxiety within the Muslim community. He stressed the importance of collective action against such divisive policies.
Taibi warned of the dangers posed by the far right, noting its anti-Muslim and anti-Semitic stance, and the potential consequences if it gains power.
Rising Concerns Over Far-Right Policies
Vanessa, a French lecturer in Islamic Sciences who attended the conference, shared her worries about the surging support for the far right.
“The rise of the far right has been gradual and often unnoticed by many,” she explained. “This is deeply concerning.”
She attributed the far-right support to various factors, including dissatisfaction with traditional politicians and economic hardships.
“We feel targeted by much of the far-right rhetoric,” Vanessa added, pointing out the threats to close mosques deemed “radical” and to ban headscarves and halal practices.
Vanessa urged the Muslim community to take action by voting in the second round to prevent the implementation of these policies.
Nora, another Muslim who voted in the first round, expressed her fears about the far right’s divisive tactics.
“The far right incites hatred and tries to turn citizens against each other,” she said. “As Muslims, we must fulfill our civic duties by voting. There is fear, but we seek solidarity and support.”
As France braces for the second round of elections, the Muslim community’s concerns highlight the broader societal challenges and the need for unity against divisive politics.
