Controversy surrounds Macron's Hanukkah ceremony at presidential palace
French President Emmanuel Macron is facing backlash from critics who argue that he breached France's secularism principles by attending a Jewish ceremony at the Élysée Palace. Macron had been invited to receive an award for fighting antisemitism and safeguarding religious freedoms. The lighting of a ceremonial candle during the event sparked criticism, with some arguing that it should not have taken place in an official building. Macron defended his actions, stating that secularism is about respecting everyone's right to believe or not believe. The display of religious signs in public spaces is a sensitive issue in France, where church and state have been strictly separated since 1905. Macron's attendance at religious events, including a mass given by Pope Francis, has previously drawn criticism.