Paris (AFP)

Interior Minister Christophe Castaner on Thursday asked the prefects to "fight Islamism and communitarianism" by increasing the controls and sanctions in places known for "serious attacks on the republican pact".

For this mission, which he considers "a priority", Christophe Castaner has brought together 125 prefectures and deputy prefects for security or equal opportunities in his ministry.

With an example to follow and generalize throughout the territory: the action taken since February 2018 in fifteen so-called sensitive neighborhoods to fight against "Islamism and withdrawal community".

The government has chosen to act "in constant law", insisted the Prefect Frederic Rose, Secretary General of the Interministerial Committee for the Prevention of Delinquency and Radicalization (SG-CIPDR).

Once the places identified as sheltering "Islamism or the withdrawal community", it is asked the prefects to use the whole range of the legal arsenal, which goes from the control of the labor legislation, to that of the regulation governing drinking establishments, anti-discrimination laws, and gender equality violations.

In the fifteen neighborhoods where these actions were carried out, "133 drinking establishments" were closed, as well as "13 places of worship", "4 schools", and "9 cultural establishments", after 1,030 investigations, detailed the minister of the Interior.

But none of these closures intervened for "Islamism" or "withdrawal community" but for "non-compliance with regulations," said Prefect Rose. "The angle of attack is legal, there is no stigma, we use the means of democracy," he said.

In addition, said Christophe Castaner, "17 million euros" recovery for the benefit of the CAF or Urssaf were made.

A circular detailing this roadmap was given to the prefects, called to act with "determination".

- "Islamism, the worst enemy of Islam" -

"The time is no longer for modesty and false pretenses," warned Mr. Castaner, arguing that "Islamism was an undemocratic, anti-republican political project, a counter-project of society." "Islamism is the worst enemy of Islam, he insisted, it has nothing to do with religion, it deviates."

"I can not accept neighborhoods where we fight the Republic," added the minister.

Christophe Castaner asked the prefects to set up "a departmental cell" dedicated to this action, to work with the judicial authority, and to undertake with the Education Nationale "a follow-up of the deschooling to fight against the strategy of 'school avoidance'.

"It is out of the question to leave some of our youth in obscurantism," he said.

He also asked the prefects "a demanding republican speech", to associate "local elected officials", and to implement awareness campaigns and "to ensure everywhere the social mix". "We must give everywhere the taste of the Republic," he said, calling them to "claim a Republic of combat, proud of its motto".

Regarding community lists in municipal elections, the same approach will be applied: "vigilance on their constitution and control of legality", explained the prefect Rose.

During this seminar, several ministers intervened: Nicole Belloubet (Justice), Jean-Michel Blanquer (Education), Julien Denormandie (City) and Marlene Schiappa (Equality between women and men).

© 2019 AFP