New French President Francois Hollande used his inauguration address to stress his commitment to fighting antisemitism.

“France will help all democratic powers in the world and will respect all nations who oppose oppression and respect women’s rights,” Mr Hollande said. “I will oppose any discrimination, keep the principle of laicité [secularity] and fight against racism and antisemitism.”

The new Finance Minister, Pierre Moscovici, who is Jewish, also highlighted the president’s stand against antisemitism.

“He was always clear on this subject and a friend of the State of Israel as well. He will be firm and vigilant. I am sick of all those caricatures that see danger to Israel and the Jews within the Socialist Party.
“All we want is to help a peaceful solution between Israel and the Palestinians.”

Mr Hollande’s government features three Jewish and three Muslim ministers, among them Najat Vallaud-Belkacem, who is considered pro-Palestinian.

But Socialist Party First Secretary Martine Aubry — considered close to the Muslim community and unfriendly to Israel — is not in.

French Jewry is pleased with the nomination of Interior Minister Manuel Valls, who has good relations with the community.