Sheikh Dr Mohammad bin Abdulkarim Al-Issa said on Friday that Europe was generally not worried about the rise of the hardline right. He argued that national constitutions and societal values would constrain political excesses. During a visit to Brussels, he met political figures and representatives of religious communities and civil society at a high-level meeting on dialogue and social cohesion.
Al-Issa said he was confident in national constitutions, European institutions and societal values, despite the hardline right’s rise in some European countries. His remarks followed the Alternative for Germany, or AfD, finishing first in September state elections in Saxony-Anhalt and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania.
Constitutions and political limits
“As for talk of a hardline right emerging in some European countries, we are generally not worried. Each European country has a civilised constitution that no one can override. There are also societal values that everyone must respect,” Al-Issa said.
He added that society would speak out and “put things right” if anyone departed from constitutional rules and societal values. Legislation could also face a challenge before constitutional courts, he said. Al-Issa said similar questions in other countries had turned out as he hoped when constitutional oversight and an active public conscience were present.
Constitutional oversight sits at the centre of Al-Issa’s response to concerns about the hardline right. He cited national constitutions and societal values as limits on political excesses, and pointed to constitutional courts as a means of challenging legislation. He didn’t identify a particular court case in his remarks.
Religious practice and national rules
Al-Issa also called for respect for religious practices within the framework of national constitutions. His comments came amid debate over restrictions on religious clothing in Europe.
Italy’s government approved a decree banning face coverings during school activities, with exceptions for certified medical reasons and educational activities. The decree doesn’t explicitly mention the burqa or niqab. Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni referred to both when announcing it, saying that in Italy “no one should force a girl to hide herself”.
“We always call for respect for each religion’s distinctive practices, provided they do not conflict with the constitution,” Al-Issa said. He added that European constitutions respect religious practices and the observance of religious rituals.
The Muslim World League, which Al-Issa leads as secretary-general, dates to 1962. The Mecca-based Islamic organisation describes its mission as promoting Islam, tolerance and friendship among peoples.
Elections ahead
Elections scheduled or expected in several European countries form part of the political context for Al-Issa’s visit. France is due to hold a presidential election in 2027, while parliamentary elections are expected in Italy, Poland and Greece.
At the Brussels meeting, Al-Issa also promoted dialogue as a way to address conflict. “Of course, we always believe in dialogue and place great faith in it,” he said. He called dialogue “the language of reason and wisdom” and said resolving conflicts required sincere intentions and effective leadership.