But France has been a multicultural society for centuries — and some would say to considerable success. What do you mean when you say, “the model doesn’t work”?

Today there is a phenomenon affirming foreign identities, because the elite has developed a feeling of resentment toward France. They’ve been explaining to the young generation of immigrants that France was all about colonization, slavery and collaboration during World War II. This is self-flagellation. Teaching this in schools creates resentment and rejection among young immigrants. We never gave them the desire to be French. They want to go back to their native culture, even though they are third-generation immigrants.

You keep mentioning France’s “Christian roots.” But strictly speaking, this is not a Christian country at all — it’s officially secular, and one of the most proudly secular countries on Earth. Why do those “Christian roots” matter?

France has been forged by 16 centuries of Christianity. There are no reasons to be ashamed of this legacy. I think it’s perfectly possible to be French and Muslim, as long as this legacy is accepted and there are no religious claims in the public space — in companies, in school. Today we have a phenomenon of radicalization where sharia is being applied in immigrant neighborhoods. Women’s rights are losing ground in those neighborhoods. And there are groups that are being more and more vocal in their claims. For example, companies where women go to work wearing the headscarf — they want to impose the headscarf in the working space. They want Halal menus in schools.