‘Avec Vous?’ Islamophobia and the Macron presidency

Abstract

ABSTRACT This article examines the entrenchment of Islamophobia during Emmanuel Macron’s first term. It explores legislation to counter ‘separatism’, the radicalisation of laïcité, the restriction of Muslimness, and the political disqualification of Muslims. The deployment of laïcité to distinguish those who are ‘really’ French and those who are not is identified as part of an authoritarian neoliberal project seeking public participation in processes of scrutiny and ‘vigilance’ that accentuate the stigmatisation of Muslims.