Muslim Leaders in France Urge Voter Turnout to Counter Far-Right Ahead of Presidential Runoff

In a statement, the CMR analyzed the programs of the two candidates in the running, concerning the strengthening of the rights of the Muslim community. As in the first round, the imams of the department have given instructions to French people of Muslim culture and confession for the vote, without putting forward the name of a candidate.

"Today, France is divided between two conceptions of freedom. One wants to prohibit Muslims from freely practicing their religion by forbidding them to dress or eat according to the precepts of their religion. The other affirms today that it wants to maintain the fundamental principles that allow everyone to live and practice their faith. These two conceptions of secularism are opposed and must concern Muslims who will once again be solicited, because their vote could be decisive for France and the French. The choice is clear, we cannot and must not be tempted by abstention," wrote Kamel Kabtane, rector of the Grand Mosque of Lyon.