French presidential candidate Marine Le Pen is facing criticism over her campaign’s strong stance against Muslim immigration and cultural presence in France, We News English reported.
Le Pen, leader of the far-right National Rally party, has made opposition to Islam a central theme in her election bid, fueling debates over national identity and integration policies, the report said.
A recently circulated campaign poster has intensified backlash. It features a veiled Muslim woman with the phrase “This is not France” alongside an unveiled woman labeled “This is France.” Critics argue that the imagery promotes Islamophobia and deepens societal divisions.
Le Pen has long advocated for policies restricting immigration and banning religious symbols in public spaces, arguing they protect French secularism. However, her rhetoric aligns with growing nationalist and anti-immigration sentiments across Europe, which have emboldened far-right movements.
Economic analysts warn that Le Pen’s policies could strain France’s trade relations with Muslim-majority countries, which contribute billions to sectors like energy, agriculture, and tourism. A boycott or diplomatic fallout could have significant financial consequences.
As the election nears, Le Pen’s stance on immigration remains a key issue, with supporters praising her nationalist approach while critics warn of rising social tensions and threats to France’s multicultural fabric.
