The French no doubt are coming to realize the consequences of the enormous self imposed cultural upheaval. Macron is no doubt is a bit wistful. However soon the ability to speak Arabic will be a prerequisite for French leaders.
Far-right leader Marine Le Pen called his comments the start of an attack on strict secularism enshrined by the 1905 law -- hinting it would give religious authorities of all stripes more influence in French society.
"In reality this is aimed at changing the law of 1905, and I can tell Catholics that it won't be them who will benefit from such a change," she told RTL radio.