Marine Le Pen on Islam
Marine Le Pen maintains that multiculturalism has failed and opposes what she terms the "Islamisation" of France.
Her political platform centers on adopting a tough line regarding immigration and advocating for policies to limit legal immigration through a moratorium.
Le Pen also explicitly supports restrictions on ritual slaughter, indicating a clear position on aspects of religious practice within French society.
Context
Marine Le Pen's positions on Islam are a central, long-standing element of her political identity and the platform of the National Rally (RN). She frames these views within a broader nationalist perspective focused on preserving French identity and secularism (laïcité).
This stance has been a consistent theme throughout her leadership, contrasting sharply with more centrist or left-wing approaches to religious diversity and immigration.
Actions Taken
- Policy ProposalCalled for the closure of all "extremist" mosques following a suspected terrorist attack.
- Policy ProposalCalled for the expulsion of hate preachers and individuals on French security services' watch lists, including revocation of their citizenship.
- Policy ProposalExpressed support for restricting ritual slaughter.
Key Quotes
For those who want to talk a lot about World War II, if it's about occupation, then we could also talk about it (Muslim prayers in the streets), because that is occupation of territory ... It is an occupation of sections of the territory, of districts in which religious laws apply ... There are of course no tanks, there are no soldiers, but it is nevertheless an occupation and it weighs heavily on local residents.
She also called for the closure of all "extremist" mosques, a remark that was criticised by Prime Minister Bernard Cazeneuve, who accused her of attempting to "capitalise" on the incident.
Criticism
Characterized her 'Muslim prayers in the streets' remarks as racist and xenophobic.
Condemned her statement comparing Muslim prayers to occupation.