The Muslim Brotherhood poses a “threat to national cohesion” in France and urgent steps are needed to counter the rise of “political Islamism,” according to a report set to be presented to President Emmanuel Macron on Wednesday.
Although the threat is not associated with violence, the report — obtained by AFP — warns that it could undermine France’s societal fabric and its republican institutions over the long term.
Compiled by two senior civil servants, the report will be reviewed by France’s Defence Council, highlighting growing concerns over the influence of Islamist ideology at local levels.
France and Germany host the largest Muslim populations within the EU, making the issue particularly significant.
The report describes political Islamism as a bottom-up movement, gaining traction within municipalities and posing a short- to medium-term risk. While the Muslim Brotherhood’s network in France is well-organized, the expansion is primarily taking place at the grassroots level.
“Decisive and sustained local action is needed to curb this rise,” the authors assert.
They also warn of the movement’s “subversive project,” which seeks to gradually influence laws and social norms — particularly concerning secularism and gender equality — through what the report refers to as “municipal Islamism.”
Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau voiced alarm on Tuesday about a form of “low-intensity Islamism” that he claims ultimately aims to implement Sharia law across French society.
However, the report notes that there is no evidence suggesting Muslims in France are trying to establish an Islamic state or impose Sharia law.
It identifies Musulmans de France — formerly the Union of Islamic Organisations of France — as the Brotherhood’s main representative in the country, managing 139 affiliated places of worship and 68 more considered to be aligned with its ideology. These account for about 7% of France’s 2,800 Muslim worship sites.
The report also emphasizes that while the Brotherhood’s influence is declining in the Arab world, its focus is shifting to Europe.
To counter this trend, the authors recommend a public awareness campaign, stronger promotion of secular values, and more inclusive policies — such as supporting Arabic language instruction — to better engage France’s Muslim communities.
