French Interior Minister Faces Backlash Over Iftar Boycott

Bruno Retailleau's decision to skip the Grande Mosquée de Paris iftar citing laïcité draws criticism and highlights tensions with Algeria.

Bruno Retailleau, citing secularism, declined an invitation to an iftar at the Grande Mosquée de Paris, breaking with past political traditions.
The mosque's rector, Chems-Eddine Hafiz, expressed disappointment, emphasizing the symbolic importance of such events for fostering dialogue.
Retailleau's absence has been linked to strained France-Algeria relations, though his team denies any connection, calling it a personal stance on laïcité.
Jean-Noël Barrot, Minister of Europe and Foreign Affairs, was the only government representative to attend the iftar, advocating for calm and unity.
Hafiz defended the mosque's ties to Algeria and called for an end to divisive rhetoric targeting French citizens of Algerian origin.