Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere is facing criticism after suggesting that Muslim holidays be observed in Muslim-majority areas of Germany; opinion polls suggest a majority of Germans are against the idea.

A recent suggestion by Interior Minister Thomas de Maiziere that Muslim holidays be observed in Muslim-majority areas of the country has raised opposition among members of his Christian Democratic Union party, and society at large.

De Maiziere aired the idea during a speech at an elections hustings in Wolfenbuettel, Lower Saxony. He told those assembled that he is “ready to hold a discussion about whether we should introduce a Muslim holiday,” in areas “where there are a lot of Muslims.”

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