Amid a diplomatic crisis between France and Algeria, the Grand Mosque of Paris finds itself under pressure, accused of maintaining overly close ties with Algiers. This delicate situation unfolds as it prepares to host its fourth «Iftar of the Ambassadors» on Tuesday. The diplomatic rift has had direct repercussions: unlike in previous years, no Algerian imams have been sent to assist during Ramadan. «The consulate has not received any visa requests», stated a government source. Rector Chems-Eddine Hafiz, already criticized for his ties to President Tebboune, has recently been accused of establishing a lucrative monopoly—allegedly with Algerian authorities' backing—on halal certification for European products destined for Algeria. In January, former French ambassador to Algeria, Xavier Driencourt, urged Hafiz to «focus on religion, not politics», suggesting he was acting as «Algeria's unofficial ambassador». Hafiz refutes these accusations, stating, «We are a virtuous bridge between the two countries». Long perceived as a model of republican Islam, the mosque's standing has weakened since its exclusion from the French Council of the Muslim Faith (CFCM) in 2021. Its refusal to participate in the anti-Semitism protest in November 2023 also marked a turning point. Tensions between Paris and Algiers escalated after France recognized Moroccan sovereignty over Western Sahara and following the imprisonment of writer Boualem Sansal in Algeria. Hafiz's silence on the matter has been poorly received. Amid these tensions, Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau is taking a hard line on Islam in France. He recently threatened to resign if Paris softened its stance on the expulsion of Algerians in irregular situations. In response, Hafiz denounces «the fearmongers» who perpetuate «an endless trial against Algerian immigration».
