By: Fern Sidman

A new government report has shaken France this week, warning that Islamists are slowly infiltrating public institutions. The report, presented to President Emmanuel Macron, describes the trend as a serious threat to the country’s secular values.

As reported by the BBC, the 45-page document was created by two senior French civil servants. It introduces a concept called “entryism.” Unlike separatism—where communities live apart from society—entryism is about working within government institutions to change them from the inside.

The report claims Islamists are entering schools, local governments, and civic organizations. Their goal is to influence and reshape French life, especially in areas with large Muslim populations.

According to the report, a group called the Federation of Muslims of France (FMF) is leading this effort. The FMF is believed to be linked to the Muslim Brotherhood, a political Islamic group founded in Egypt in 1928.

The FMF controls 139 mosques and is connected to 68 more. But its reach goes beyond religion. It also runs 280 civic associations and 21 private schools. These groups, the report warns, create “ecosystems” that promote strict religious practices from a young age.

The report noted a rise in religious dress among young girls, some as young as five, including headscarves and abayas.

In response, President Macron has asked his government to come up with new policies within a month. He stressed the need to defend laïcité, the French principle of secularism.

Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau called the report a “wake-up call.” He warned of a growing threat, especially ahead of the 2026 municipal elections. He mentioned signs of organized efforts by Islamist candidates in some regions.

However, not all politicians agree. Jean-Luc Mélenchon, leader of the far-left party La France Insoumise, said the report fuels Islamophobia. He criticized the government for what he sees as fear-mongering.

The FMF denied the allegations. In a public statement, they said, “Confusing Islam with political Islamism is dangerous. These accusations are unfair and stigmatize Muslims.”

The report also raised concerns about foreign funding, especially from Qatar and Turkey. It suggests that as Islamist groups lose power in the Middle East, they are focusing more on Europe.

According to the report, these groups often hide their true goals by appearing moderate. Investigators traveled across 10 French regions and four European countries to gather information.

For many in France, this issue hits at the heart of national identity. Since 1905, French law has required a strict separation between religion and the state. Public institutions must remain neutral.

The real challenge now is balancing security with fairness. The government wants to stop ideological threats without harming innocent members of the Muslim community, which makes up about 9% of the population.

With elections coming up and public concern rising, Macron’s team must act quickly but carefully. The government is expected to release a new plan soon. It may include updated laws, stronger surveillance, and new rules for schools and public workers.

What happens next is crucial. Can France stop extremist influence while respecting individual freedoms?

One thing is clear: the issue of Islamist entryism is now part of the national debate. France once again stands at a crossroads—facing tough questions about identity, security, and the future of its Republic.