French President Emmanuel Macron faces allegations of "betrayal" against the principles of the French Republic and accusations of "compromising" with secularism. This comes in the wake of his participation in a Jewish ceremony held within his official residence, according to media reports.
The act in question involved the lighting of a Hanukkah candle by France's Chief Rabbi Haim Korsia to commemorate the commencement of the Jewish festival of lights. The event, which took place in Macron's official residence's Salle des Fetes, sparked immediate criticism, gaining traction especially on social media platforms where a video of the ceremony circulated.
Prominent right-wing opposition figure and Cannes Mayor, David Lisnard, expressed his concerns, stating, "As far as I know, this is the first time this has ever happened. It is a breach of secularism." Carole Delga, the Socialist president of the Occitania region, emphasized that "The Elysee is not a place of religion. You cannot compromise with secularism."
In response to the backlash, Macron defended his actions on Friday, asserting that he had no regrets. He clarified that, as the president, engaging in a religious act or participating in a ceremony would constitute a breach of secularism, which, according to him, did not occur in this instance.
(With Agency Inputs)
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