Islamism, the Internal Enemy of Democracy (Carte Blanche by Alain Schenkels)
At a time when European security is at the heart of every debate, the threat of Islamism is emerging as the main challenge to the continent’s stability. Its infiltration into the social, cultural, and political fabric of European states makes combating it more complex and urgent than ever. A carte blanche by Alain Schenkels, Corporate executive.
Islamism is a deep-rooted phenomenon that has taken hold in European society by exploiting its freedoms. Organizations such as the Muslim Brotherhood favor an « entryist » strategy, investing in education, culture, associations, and even politics to influence norms and values.
In Brussels, recent reports reveal the influence of several associations linked to the Muslim Brotherhood on local life. They even exert control over certain municipalities, with the complicity of elected officials and local actors. This gradual infiltration aims to impose codes and values that contradict secularism and democracy.
Islamism: An Internal and Global Threat
European jihadism, carried out both by « foreign fighters » and radicalized nationals, illustrates a threat embedded at the heart of society. Thousands of Europeans have fought in Syria or Iraq. Many have returned with a violent ideology and terrorist experience.
Radicalization also affects young people, often born in Europe, who reject the society that saw them born, favoring communitarian, radical, and violent values, sometimes advocating sharia, at the expense of social cohesion.
Islamism transcends European borders; it is a global phenomenon whose ramifications affect the entire Western world. Terrorist attacks show an omnipresent terrorist threat, and social networks, mosques, associations, and educational institutions serve as relays for propaganda and recruitment. It acts from within, infiltrating citizens’ daily lives, schools, neighborhoods, administrations, and the media. It exploits the failures of integration, online radicalization, and the complacency of local « collaborators » to expand its influence.
The book Allah n’a rien à faire dans ma classe (« Allah Has No Place in My Classroom ») by Jean-Pierre Martin and Laurence D’Hondt is enlightening. It demonstrates the rise of Islamism in our schools, where children are directly targeted from a very young age. The lessons from this book can be applied broadly: Islamism directly threatens our democracy and our lives.
The Importation of the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict is Poison for European Cohesion
The left and the far-left, by making the Palestinian cause a militant banner, contribute to importing the tensions of the Middle East onto the continent. France Insoumise systematically refuses to designate Hamas as a terrorist organization, as do far-left parties in Belgium, fueling antisemitism. This posture glorifies the « heroic resistance » of Hamas, indirectly legitimizing violence that is incompatible with our democratic values.
In Belgium, socialist figures instrumentalize pro-Palestinian marches, provoking community divisions; the consequences are palpable with the rise in antisemitic acts and the polarization of public opinion. This worrying phenomenon undermines the foundations of our society.
Act Before It’s Too Late
It is imperative to act quickly and decisively. Repressive measures alone are not enough. We must strengthen surveillance of Islamic associations, control foreign funding, combat disinformation and radical propaganda, and limit immigration and family reunification.
At present, Islamism represents the main risk to security, social cohesion, and democratic values, both in Europe and the rest of the world. Tomorrow, it may be too late to respond effectively. Europe and the world must mobilize, without complacency or naivety, to preserve their future with a valued justice system and exemplary convictions.
The writer Herman Brusselmans, who declared: “I feel like sticking a sharp knife in the throat of every Jewish person I meet,” was acquitted on March 11 by the correctional court of Ghent in the name of freedom of expression. On June 9 in Saint-Gilles, a public pro-Palestinian demonstration took place, during which scenes referencing the October 7, 2023 massacre were portrayed, without intervention from the authorities.
How did we get here? We need firm justice that severely condemns any Islamist or antisemitic speech or act. The situation is serious. It is already very late to act. Let’s not wait until it’s too late—our freedoms and our democracy are at stake.
Alain Schenkels, Corporate executive
By Alain Schenkels
(Header photos: Demonstration in Los Angeles – June 2025)
Let’s act before it’s too late—let’s protect our democracies against Islamism.