A highly anticipated government report examining the influence of the Muslim Brotherhood in France and Europe was set for release on Wednesday but was postponed by President Emmanuel Macron’s office after portions of the document were leaked to conservative media outlets.
According to a draft version reviewed by POLITICO, the report accuses the Muslim Brotherhood of making concerted efforts to advance its fundamentalist ideology across both France and the wider European region.
The source of the leak is widely believed to be Bruno Retailleau, a hardline conservative figure whose political star has risen dramatically since he joined Macron’s minority government in September. On Sunday, Retailleau secured a major political victory, winning the leadership of Les Républicains — the traditional center-right party that has struggled to find its footing since Macron’s disruptive 2017 election win. Early opinion polls suggest Retailleau could mount a credible challenge in the 2027 presidential race.
In recent interviews with French media, Retailleau openly commented on the report, accusing the Muslim Brotherhood of “attempting to steer French society toward Sharia law.”
One adviser from the Élysée downplayed the Interior Ministry’s role in shaping policy on this sensitive issue, emphasizing that key decisions would ultimately be made during defense cabinet meetings chaired by Macron himself.
A government official who spoke to POLITICO on the condition of anonymity described Macron as appearing agitated during one such meeting, suggesting the president had a “mood swing.”
“I’m not sure he fully realizes … that it’s the government that governs, not just the president,” the official added.
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