The JDD. You left the Ministry of Citizenship. What do you remember from your visit to Beauvau?
Othman Nasrou. I say things bluntly: the situation is extremely worrying in terms of order, security, integration and the fight against separatism. In Beauvau, I saw how disorder and ultra-violence were progressing. Some left-wing politicians seem to be operating in a parallel reality. I have also observed that a competent administration, supported by dedicated law enforcement, can meet these challenges. With Bruno Retailleau, I learned that clear and determined political will can move the lines. On integration, it was necessary to decide on sensitive subjects, such as mastery of French and adherence to republican values. We strengthened the demands and stood our ground despite resistance.
You mentioned a “largely underestimated risk” on the question of separatism. Can you explain to us what leads you to this conclusion?
Over the past ten years, considerable work has been accomplished on terrorism, with effective intelligence services thanks to reinforced resources. However, the fight against separatism remains largely insufficient. Only violent action, that is to say terrorism, benefits from the necessary level of vigilance. On the other hand, the phenomena that fuel it – radicalization, entryism, diffusion of Islamist theories – are not sufficiently combated. We lack suitable tools and a clear and stabilized doctrine. Many actors still underestimate the progression of this threat. French society must become aware of the urgency: a real cultural, educational and ideological battle must be waged.
Can you give concrete examples of the abuses that you have observed in certain neighborhoods or institutions?
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-Islamist radicalization affects increasingly younger adolescents, from 13 or 14 years old, followed not only by territorial intelligence but also by anti-terrorism, because they are likely to take action. Some reports come from departments considered peaceful, which is alarming. Numerous surveys also show a worrying progression of theses of rupture with the Republican model among the younger generations. At school, attacks on secularism no longer reflect just a lack of understanding, but a real rupture. During the commemorations of the assassinations of Samuel Paty and Dominique Bernard, parents even organized the withdrawal of their children. Although these phenomena affect the entire country, certain territories are reaching a critical point. With the Minister of the Interior, we have carried out targeted operations to dismantle associative networks fueling separatism. Our prefects remain very attentive to these sensitive areas.
“An educational and ideological battle must be waged”
The law against separatism aimed to respond to these challenges. Do you think it is effective?
This law represents a step in the right direction, but it is insufficient. We launched its evaluation to fill the gaps, particularly in terms of administrative policing, and strengthen the defense of the values of the Republic. This is all the more crucial as separatism continues to progress and evolve. Today, incidents occur during certificate awards or naturalization ceremonies. Much remains to be done to combat attacks on secularism, not only in schools, but also in hospitals, and to better protect our agents on the front line. Business leaders also share these concerns.
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