Burkinis, economy top items in campaign

PARIS – The national identity crisis exposed by France’s burkini controversy is threatening to set the tone for the country’s presidential campaign. Along with the economy, the relationship between France’s Muslims and non-Muslims has been a recurring theme as presidential hopefuls kick off campaigning for the AprilMay election. Some leftists say the far right is using the issue to encourage racism in France. A top French court ruling Friday against banning the burkini didn’t put an end to the debate. Some mayors are refusing to rescind their bans, arguing that the headto-ankle swimwear could disrupt public order after a summer marred by Islamic extremist attacks.