Donation from King Mohammed VI to a mosque under construction in France sparks debate

The future grand mosque in Metz, France, slated for completion by late 2025, is stirring controversy due to its funding sources. The Union of Secular Families of Moselle (UFAL 57) disclosed on Tuesday a significant donation of one million euros made in 2023 by King Mohammed VI of Morocco, raising concerns about «foreign interference».

The mosque project, with an estimated cost of 15.7 million euros, had previously secured a 490,000-euro grant from the city of Metz in July 2023. According to UFAL 57, this municipal subsidy was approved without most elected officials being aware of the external funding.

Matthieu Gatipon-Bachette, president of UFAL 57, criticized the «lack of transparency» and the contradiction with the project's portrayal as an «independent» initiative supported by local believers. The association has taken the matter to the administrative court of Strasbourg, challenging the legality of the municipal grant. «The debates would not have been the same if the elected officials had had this information», he asserts.

In the municipal opposition, Jérémy Roques (left), while supporting the project, lamented the lack of clarity: «We do not know all the donors or the overall financing plan». He stressed the importance of avoiding any «majority donor», whether foreign or domestic, who might influence the mosque's religious direction.

The city hall has dismissed these allegations. Mayor François Grosdidier (LR) described the situation as a «false trial», emphasizing that donations are regulated by the Ministry of the Interior and that their disclosure is not the municipality's responsibility. «The King of Morocco gives as he did for Notre-Dame de Paris. What is the issue?» he questioned, assuring that the mosque will remain «independent».

According to the mosque's administration, the majority of elected officials were informed, and the funding was declared. The mayor added that other countries had been approached and that Morocco, seen as an «ally against terrorism», should not be a source of contention. The construction on Boulevard de la Défense aims to provide a dignified place of worship for a community currently practicing in inadequate conditions.