Emmanuel Macron of France faces criticism from multiple angles amid controversy surrounding secularism.

Emmanuel Macron has faced criticism and accusations of betrayal after participating in a Jewish ceremony at the Elysée Palace. The lighting of a Hanukkah candle in the secular Salle des Fêtes sparked immediate backlash from politicians across the political spectrum. Macron invited France's Chief Rabbi to light the first candle as part of the Jewish festival of lights, and the occasion also marked the president receiving recognition for his efforts against antisemitism. However, when footage of the ceremony circulated on social media, it sparked controversy. Many French opinion leaders believed that Macron had violated the principle of secularism by bringing religion into the presidential residence. Critics argued that this breach of secularism undermined the significance of the Elysée Palace as a symbol of France's commitment to secularism. Various political figures voiced their concerns, including opposition figure David Lisnard and Socialist president Carole Delga. Some far-left politicians, such as Alexis Corbière, warned of the dangerous precedent this could set if Macron were to extend similar invitations to other religions. Even some French Jews expressed their perplexity, with Yonathan Arfi stating that weakening secularism would ultimately weaken the Jewish community. France's concept of secularism was established in a 1905 law after a struggle between the state and the Catholic Church. The law ensures religious freedom while prohibiting state involvement in religions and the display of religious symbols in public buildings. Macron's action has been viewed as a violation of this century-old Republican doctrine and has fueled criticisms claiming that he has an inflated sense of self-importance and entitlement. Macron, speaking during a visit to Notre-Dame cathedral, defended his invitation, stating that it was in line with the spirit of the Republic and unity. He clarified that he had not performed a religious act or taken part in a ceremony. This controversy comes after a series of political events involving Gaza, in which Macron has been accused of inconsistent policy-making. Critics argue that he has zigzagged between aligning closely with Israel and courting Arab opinion, trying to satisfy both the large Jewish and Muslim populations in France. Macron's recent gesture at the Elysée Palace has been seen by some as an example of his unilateral decision-making in French foreign policy. The president's approach has caused frustration among professional diplomats, who feel sidelined in the decision-making process. These diplomatic sources claim that Macron's statements on Israel are contradictory and may alienate both the Muslim and Jewish communities in France.