“There is no violation of secularism”, according to Gérald Darmanin

“There is no violation of secularism”reacted Gérald Darmanin Friday December 8 on franceinfo, while Thursday evening, the Elysée hosted a ceremony of the Conference of European Rabbis for the Jewish holiday of Hanukkah. “Secularism is not: hide from me this religion that I do not want to see. I find it completely normal that the President of the Republic places himself alongside our Jewish compatriots”he added.

The celebration of this religious festival at the Elysée on Thursday evening triggered numerous reactions from the opposition. To the left, the coordinator of La France insoumise Manuel Bompard notably denounced “an unforgivable political mistake” while this Saturday will be celebrated “the anniversary of the 1905 law on the separation of Church and State”. Also on the right, we criticize the decision of the Elysée. David Lisnard, president of the Association of Mayors of France, judges this event “contrary to secularism”.

Religion “is part of our cultural life, undeniably”

Gérald Darmanin recalls that “the President of the Republic spoke at the religious burial of Collomb” and that he accompanied him “multiple times in mosques, in synagogues, in churches, in temples.” He “finds it a bit absurd” the ban on crèches in town halls, but “These are court decisions, so I listen to them, look at them and respect them”. “It’s undoubtedly part of our cultural life”he said.

“I find it completely normal that the President of the Republic places himself alongside our Jewish compatriots”, he added. According to him, Emmanuel Macron is “a defender of religions”, “he respects them all as head of state”.