Robert Chardon, mayor of Venelles, a town in the south of France, tweeted: "We must ban the Muslim faith in France."

He called for the country to removal a secularism law dating back to 1905 – and instead "promote the practice of the Christian faith".

Chardon added: "We also need a Marshall Plan to send Muslims to countries where the religion is practiced."

He is confident that the religion will be banned in October 2027 – but did explain the significance of the date.

He later explained to the newspaper La Monde that his plan is "the only solution for most of France's problems".

Chardon is vice president of the Organisation of Municipalities around Aix-en-Provence.

His right-leaning party, the Union for a Popular Movement, are now looking to expel him.

France has an estimated five million Muslims.

Many have faced suspicion following the massacre at Charlie Hedbo's Paris offices in January.