The Senate dominated by the right-wing opposition gave a broad green light Thursday to a new device introduced by the government in the bill on separatism, inspired by the case of the grant from the Strasbourg town hall for the construction of 'a mosque.
Read also: Controversial subsidy to the Strasbourg mosque: the town hall "takes note" of the referral to justice by the prefecture
This amendment, which gave rise to long discussions, including after its adoption, provides for an obligation to inform the prefect three months in advance, before any public subsidy for the construction of a place of worship.
"
It makes it possible to guarantee communities a clear, clear, precise support from the State
", underlined the Minister of the Interior Gérald Darmanin.
It "
also makes it possible to avoid foreign interference and the financing of separatist associations
," the ministry said in a statement.
"
We consider that it is a security for the local communities
", affirmed Gérard Longuet (LR).
"
It's a way to be protected for the decision they will have to make
."
"
This amendment was drafted following the vote of the subsidy of the great mosque of Strasbourg by the green municipality
”, confirmed the entourage of the minister to AFP, while senators did not hesitate to note the link with current events.
“
This amendment appeared two days ago, it's astonishing.
(...) I do not think that it is the Holy Spirit, if it exists, which inspired you this amendment
”, noted in particular Jean-Pierre Sueur (PS).
Read also: Strasbourg Mosque: a decision by the town hall on the subsidy in April
The State is engaged in a standoff with the ecological city hall of Strasbourg after a controversial vote on the "
principle
" of a municipal subsidy of more than 2.5 million euros intended for the construction of a Confederation mosque Islamic Millî Görüs (CIMG), an association of Turkish origin.
The amendment was adopted by a show of hands.
The PS group abstained, judging "
all this confused
", as well as the environmental group.