Moroccan secularism: when a minister surprises Bruno Retailleau

Ahmed Toufiq, Moroccan Minister of Habous and Islamic Affairs, created a surprise during an oral questions session in the House of Representatives. He indeed revealed a discussion that was, to say the least, unexpected with Bruno Retailleau, French Minister of the Interior, on the sidelines of Emmanuel Macron’s visit to Morocco.

During this informal exchange, the question of secularism was raised. The French minister, convinced of the benefits of “moderate Moroccan Islam”, would have questioned Ahmed Toufiq on the notion of secularism, visibly expecting a reaction of rejection. It was with amazement that he received this answer: “We are secular”. A statement that left Bruno Retailleau “mouthless”, in the words of the Moroccan minister. Ahmed Toufiq then developed his remarks, explaining that if Morocco does not have a law similar to that of 1905, the principle of religious freedom is nevertheless anchored in the country. He also cited a verse from the Koran to illustrate the absence of constraints in matters of religion.