Overview

• Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau proposed banning the Islamic veil for university students and school outing chaperones, citing concerns over laïcité and gender equality.
• The French government, led by Prime Minister François Bayrou, announced it would not pursue these measures, citing a lack of parliamentary majority and potential legal challenges.
• A CSA poll revealed that 78% of French citizens support such bans, highlighting widespread public backing across political and demographic groups.
• Critics from the left and legal experts argue that the proposals contradict constitutional protections for religious freedom and could be deemed unconstitutional by the Conseil d'État.
• Retailleau's statements are seen as part of a broader shift toward stricter interpretations of laïcité, influenced by right-wing and far-right political narratives.