The French government has officially recognized the role of an imam as a profession, adding it to the list of occupations acknowledged by the French Employment Agency. Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau announced this milestone on Tuesday during the closing session of the French Islam Forum (FORIF), calling it a historic move.
Retailleau stressed that the state’s engagement with Muslim religious representatives should be founded on trust and responsibility. He also introduced an official job description and employment contracts for imams, providing a structured framework for their work. Moreover, Muslim chaplains serving in hospitals and the military will now receive formal recognition within state institutions.
Addressing Islamophobia, Retailleau disclosed that 173 anti-Muslim attacks were recorded last year, though the actual figure is likely higher due to underreporting. To tackle this issue, the government will launch a dedicated platform for victims to report Islamophobic incidents.
