France Ends Foreign Imam Program in Push for Domestic Islamic Leadership

In a letter addressed on April 29 to the prefects, Gérald Darmanin, the Minister of the Interior, confirmed the extinction of foreign imams in France and set new conditions allowing the latter to continue preaching in the country. Henceforth, no more imam paid by his country of origin (Morocco, Algeria or Turkey) will be authorized to practice in France, the minister indicated in his note to which Le Journal Du Dimanche had access.

Thus, the 300 seconded imams out of the 2,800 imams practicing in the country had to make a difficult choice: comply with the new regulations by changing employers or return to their country of origin. Those who received their salary as civil servants of Morocco, Algeria or Turkey will now be paid by associations managing places of worship. Intelligence services, in collaboration with the central office of cults, will ensure strict compliance with this measure.

Looking closely, this reform may not produce the expected results for the simple reason that the Muslim federations, to which the seconded imams are now affiliated, depend on foreign countries, notes the French media, recalling that the Great Mosque of Paris is attached to Algiers, like the Union of Mosques of France is linked to Morocco, or the Coordination Committee of Turkish Muslims of France and the Milli Görüs Islamic Confederation depend on the Turkish authorities.

The advantage of this reform lies in the possibility given to the French authorities to call to order any seconded imam who would come to violate the principles and values of the Republic. In addition, the conditions are tougher for the exercise of the ministry by seconded imams. From now on, they will have to undergo a French language exam and undergo training in secularism before being authorized to practice. For imams wishing to practice in France, they will have to present a draft employment contract issued by a religious association before obtaining a residence permit.