France: National Rally proposes fines for wearing the veil in public
The National Rally RN in France has confirmed its intention to penalize the wearing of the veil in public spaces with a fixed fine, should Marine Le Pen win the 2027 presidential election. This proposal, a key part of Marine Le Pen's platform for three presidential campaigns, has reignited political and legal debates. Jean-Philippe Tanguy, an RN deputy and close associate of Marine Le Pen, reaffirmed this position on August 30, stating that a victory for Le Pen in 2027 would lead to fines for wearing the veil in public. While Marine Le Pen has consistently advocated for banning the Islamic veil in the street since 2012, the measure has caused internal division within the RN. Jordan Bardella, for instance, previously deemed the implementation of such a ban in the street "complicated," suggesting a phased approach starting with an extension of the 2004 law to public buildings and universities, with a full ban as a long-term objective. Despite these internal reservations, Marine Le Pen has refused to abandon the proposal, viewing it as a fundamental identity marker. Tanguy stated that the debate is now closed, emphasizing the party's commitment to combating Islamist ideology and sanctioning the wearing of the veil in solidarity with women globally who fight for freedom. To circumvent potential legal challenges, particularly regarding religious freedom protected by the Constitutional Council, the RN is considering using a referendum.
