Mayor discusses controversial theory

On Friday, October 30, the mayor of Trappes, Ali Rabeh, discussed the "great replacement" theory on France Inter for nine minutes, highlighting what some see as the decline of the left. The article "Quand la gauche déserte en rase campagne…" first appeared on Causeur.

Controversy over Trappes' label

Jordan Bardella, president of the National Rally (RN), has been asked to stop referring to Trappes as a "mini Islamic republic." The mayor, who left the commune hours after a racist shooting that left the community mourning, has introduced the contested term "Islamophobia" and the idea of banning discussion on migration surges into public debate.

Rabeh’s critique of the theory

Rabeh criticized the "great replacement" theory, which he described as being repeatedly broadcast on air, and argued that it is held by fragile or sick minds who believe they are on a crusade to defend a sick vision of France. He suggested that those who adhere to this theory should be made illegal. However, he did not address whether the theory is a feeling or an actual phenomenon, such as the acceptance of female circumcision or the absence of Jewish communities in certain areas.

Rally against racism and Islamophobia

A week after the racist attack that killed Pengo Bossio Wangi and injured seven others, a rally against racism and "Islamophobia" was held in Trappes, drawing over 10,000 people. Left-wing figures such as Jean-Luc Mélenchon, Olivier Faure, and Raphaël Glucksmann attended.

Political responses and warnings

Rabeh was the only elected official to speak, warning against voting for Marine Le Pen. Marine Tondelier, a secretary of the Ecologists, noted that racism was present but not discussed in her childhood. Ségolène Royal warned of a potential major shift and called for a "sanitary cordon." Jordan Bardella responded on X (formerly Twitter), stating that the left seems to want to criminalize the feelings of at least 60% of the French population who observe a "profound demographic transformation."

Trappes and the Islamic State

According to a report by Le Monde published on March 13, 2020, 67 people from Trappes joined the Islamic State (Daesh) in Iraq and Syria between 2014 and 2016.