French officials: No place in France for controversial Turkish association Milli Görüş

PARIS — French officials indicated that some Turkish associations have raised suspicion and legal controversy due to their refusal to sign a charter against extremism and commented that organizations that cannot commit to the values of the French Republic have no place in France.

Spokesperson for the French government Gabriel Attal stated that the Turkish Milli Görüş (National Vision) association has no place in France because it contravenes the values of the French Republic ​​and is implementing a foreign agenda.

“Clearly it should not organize activities and exist in the Republic,” he commented, clarifying that his statements should not be construed as declaring a ban of the association.

French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin, in an interview with Le Point Newspaper, stated that the French state has nothing to negotiate with groups that refuse to sign the charter.

“France will strengthen oversight over their activities,” said Darmanin, stressing that the association’s refusal shows the shadows of foreign interference and extremist movements operating within France.

The statements come after Milli Görüş sparked controversy in the country in recent weeks for its refusal to sign a charter against extremism jointly developed by the French government and religious organizations.

The head of France’s umbrella Muslim association, the French Council of the Muslim Faith (CFCM), criticized Milli Görüş and two other associations — one of them also Turkish, for refussing to sign a charter intended to demonstrate that Islam is in line with the principles and laws of France.

CFCM president Mohammed Moussoui said the refusal was, “not likely to provide reassurance … on the state of the representative bodies of the Muslim religion.”