The CSA Institute has recently conducted a highly relevant survey regarding the Muslim Brotherhood for CNews, Europe 1, and the JDD. The results reveal a clear aversion among the French towards the movement; only 12% of them disapprove of banning the group in France!
Muslim Brotherhood: A poorly perceived ideology!
In its early days, the Muslim Brotherhood was non-violent. Established in 1928 in Egypt, it aimed to liberate the country from British control and reassert Islamic values. Besides assisting the middle class, its members also educate children according to their faith!
Sadly, the founder’s death, Sheikh Hassan Al-Banna, transformed the organization into a more violent entity. The assassination of their supreme leader ignited rage among its members, a sentiment that has yet to subside!
Even in its home country, Egypt, this Islamist organization is no longer welcome. Other nations have followed suit, prohibiting its establishment in their territories. Jordan, for instance, has declared that the movement incites “activities likely to destabilize the country”.
In 2014, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia labeled the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organization. Riyadh believes that the movement has a dangerous political agenda. But why such repression? It stems from its offshoots like Hamas in Palestine and Ennahdha in Turkey, both accused of radicalism.
The French public’s opinion on the issue!
On April 27, the Minister of the Interior, Bruno Retailleau, unveiled a “damning” report showing the French public’s perception of the Muslim Brotherhood. On average, 88% of the population supports banning this organization in France.
One notable finding is that women tend to be more lenient than men regarding the Muslim Brotherhood. Indeed, 86% of women approve of the ban, while this figure rises to 90% among men! Additionally, younger individuals appear less sensitive than older adults about its presence in France.
According to the survey, only 78% of those aged 25-34 support banning the organization. This figure increases to 89% among those aged 35-49 and 93% for individuals aged 50-64. Among professionals, 91% of those in lower socio-professional categories (CSP-) agree with the ban, compared to 89% of higher socio-professional categories (CSP+) and 85% of inactive individuals.
Moreover, the Minister of State has explicitly stated his view on the Muslim Brotherhood, asserting that the organization poses a real danger to society. He references a report by Pascal Gouyette and François Courtade, describing it as a “threat that extends insidiously and gradually”.
Even politicians oppose the Muslim Brotherhood!
The CSP report also includes a comprehensive overview of opinions from various political factions in France. The findings are surprising; among the Far-Left parties such as La France Insoumise, 75% of participants support banning the Muslim Brotherhood. On average, 81% of left-wing activists do not want the Islamic movement.
Unsurprisingly, the presidential majority shows a 91% approval rate for the ban. Among supporters of the National Rally and The Republicans, the figures stand at 94% and 89%, respectively.
