The rector of Paris's Grand Mosque has warned that anti-Islam rhetoric in the French presidential election risks creating a 'spiral of hatred', comparing it to antisemitic discourse in the 1930s. Chems-eddine Hafiz said he was 'extremely worried' that law-abiding Muslims were being scapegoated by candidates competing to criticise Islam.
Hafiz, who published a book this month titled With All Due Respect, We’re Children of the Republic, said the rhetoric had intensified during the campaign. He singled out far-right candidates Eric Zemmour and Marine Le Pen, as well as Valérie Pécresse of the traditional right Les Républicains party, for their comments on Islam and immigration.
Zemmour, who has convictions for inciting racial hatred, has promoted the discredited 'great replacement' conspiracy theory, claiming Muslim immigration could lead to civil war. He has called on Muslims to renounce their religion. Le Pen, who polls suggest is likely to face President Emmanuel Macron in the final vote on 24 April, has proposed banning the Muslim headscarf in all public places. Pécresse has also referenced the great replacement theory and vowed to restrict headscarves in some public spaces.
Hafiz stressed that he condemned Islamist terrorism and that his mosque worked to combat radicalisation. However, he feared the majority of law-abiding French Muslims were being conflated with terrorists, despite often being victims themselves. 'French Muslims have faced stigmatisation... but in this election, it’s much more serious,' he said.
The rector noted that despite voters' main concerns being economic issues, it had become 'almost fashionable' for candidates to criticise Islam and Muslims. He warned that anti-Muslim acts could increase after the election, and pointed out that many Muslims in France were now in their fourth or fifth generation but were still considered foreigners.
