Nadine Morano

Nadine Morano attacked government spokesperson Sibeth Ndiaye on Twitter, referring to her original Senegalese nationality, recent naturalisation, 'gaps in French cultural knowledge' and 'circus outfit'. Several ministers and MPs described the message as racist.

State of the evidence

Reported by the press

Attribution

Personally implicated

During the right-wing primary and in subsequent years, Nadine Morano repeatedly referred to a 'massive Arab-Muslim invasion', risks associated with Islam, the 'Great Replacement', migrants and the burkini. In public debate, these remarks brought her closer to themes traditionally promoted by the far right.

State of the evidence

Documented

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Personally implicated

Nadine Morano opposed plans to accommodate migrants at the château in Tantonville, Meurthe-et-Moselle, and took part in local mobilisation over the project. After their arrival, she described the political decision as irresponsible.

State of the evidence

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Political responsibility

In September 2015, Nadine Morano claimed that France was a country 'of the White race', with Judeo-Christian roots, and that she did not want France to become Muslim. Amid widespread outrage, Les Républicains eventually withdrew her endorsement for the regional elections after she refused to apologise.

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Personally implicated

Nadine Morano posted a photograph on Facebook of a veiled woman on a beach and described the scene as an 'attack on our culture'. The post caused controversy over the veil, religious freedom and publicly exposing an unidentified individual.

State of the evidence

Reported by the press

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Personally implicated

Nadine Morano confronted a woman wearing a niqab at Gare de l'Est and alerted an official so that compliance with the ban on concealing one's face could be checked. She subsequently defended her intervention by asking how anyone could know whether the woman was concealing explosives, intensifying the controversy.

State of the evidence

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Personally implicated

Questioned about accusations of racism, Nadine Morano cited a childhood friend of Chadian origin, whom she described as 'Blacker than an Arab', and added that she liked couscous and egg-filled brik pastries. The statements were widely mocked and criticised as a clumsy defence against accusations of stigmatisation.

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Personally implicated

During the national identity debate, Nadine Morano said she expected a young French Muslim to love his country, find work, avoid speaking verlan and not wear his cap backwards. Generalising social behaviours to a religious category prompted major political and media controversy.

State of the evidence

Documented

Attribution

Personally implicated