On March 28, 2026, Omar Yaqoob of La France Insoumise (LFI) took control of Creil town hall, the third-largest commune in Oise. This multicultural city of 37,000 residents, with 107 nationalities, 25% unemployment, and over 50% social housing, had been a socialist stronghold for over a century. Residents voice fears of rising tensions following campaign incidents.
Creil, in the Paris suburbs in Oise, has nearly 37,000 residents from 107 different nationalities. With 25% unemployment and over 50% social housing, the commune ranks among France's poorest. Until recently, it had been run by socialists for over a century.
On Sunday, March 28, 2026, LFI affiliate Omar Yaqoob seized the town hall in the municipal elections. Threats and intimidations were reported during the campaign, and residents now fear heightened community tensions.
In a ladies' boutique in the city center, the Turkish-origin manager said associations regularly supply religious books such as Foi et Islam and L’Éthique islamique. “Associations come regularly to distribute them to us,” she explained. She added: “Here, it's better to show that you are a good Muslim.” On Omar Yaqoob, she was cautious: “He seems nice, but his team? We know Pakistanis put religion above everything. We prefer democracy…”
A recent incident highlights these concerns: veiled women came to moralize a Christian customer, according to local accounts. LFI's takeover raises worries about the evolving social climate in this highly diverse city.
