France's outgoing justice minister urges tougher response to antisemitism

20/9/2025 6:27

Outgoing Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin asked French public prosecutors on Friday to take tougher action against incidents of antisemitism, just days before President Emmanuel Macron is set to anger Israel by recognizing a Palestinian state.



The move also comes a few weeks after the new U.S. ambassador to France, Charles Kushner, published an open letter in the Wall Street Journal accusing France of not doing enough to stem antisemitic violence.



In a document seen by Reuters and circulated ahead of the Jewish New Year, which coincides with Macron's planned recognition of the Palestinian state on September 22, Darmanin asked for "very firm criminal action" against antisemitic acts and speeches.



He also called for "general aggravating circumstances" to be taken into account in all cases where possible, which in French law means allowing for the maximum prison sentence to be imposed.