Islam in France: Announced Reforms and Contested Management
While Emmanuel Macron meets with the leaders of the French Council of the Muslim Faith (CFCM) to work on an eventual charter for Islam in France, the French authorities turn a blind eye to the clan-based and profit-driven management of the country’s second-largest religion.
“Everything must change so that nothing changes.” This famous quote, taken from the novel The Leopard by Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa, perfectly sums up the French political attitude toward the necessary reform of Islam in France, where a chaotic organization fosters extremist deviations.
The Great Mosque of Paris: A Symbol of Organizational Disorder
On a protocol level, the Great Mosque of Paris represents the Muslims of France. However, its management, in collaboration with other entities within the CFCM, highlights the many challenges of organizing Islam in the country. Despite this situation, the French Ministry of the Interior, which oversees religious affairs, has never taken steps to restore order.
This inaction is partly explained by the strategic relationships some mosque employees have with French intelligence services, who view these connections as valuable.
Algerian Funding and Generous Salaries
The Great Mosque of Paris survives mainly thanks to financial support from Algeria, which allocates it an annual budget exceeding 3 million euros, along with additional funds for sometimes unclear projects. These funds are used to finance the high salaries of the mosque’s leaders, including that of the current rector, Chemseddine Hafiz, who reportedly earns 15,000 euros per month.
Zakat and Halal Taxes: Other Sources of Income
In addition to public subsidies, the mosque also benefits from donations by the faithful, zakat revenues, and profits generated from halal taxes. However, questions persist regarding how these funds are managed and who benefits from them.
Controversial Appointments
In 2020, after the political change in Algeria that led to Bouteflika’s departure, Dalil Boubakeur, who had led the mosque for 28 years, was replaced by Chemseddine Hafiz. This change occurred without debate or election, provoking criticism, particularly in Algeria. Nevertheless, Hafiz and his allies retained their positions, thanks to the support of influential figures in both Algeria and France.
Islam in France: A Media Discourse Rather Than Reality
To satisfy the expectations of French authorities and the media, the mosque’s new leaders promised to promote an “Islam of France” independent from consular influence. They also expressed support for appointing women as imams. However, on the ground, they continue to collaborate with imams sent from Algeria, reinforcing the contradictions between their discourse and their actions.
Despite repeated calls for reform, the situation of Islam in France remains dominated by political and personal interests. While Emmanuel Macron advocates for combating Islamism, substantial changes seem far from reach, leaving the current situation to persist for many years to come.
