France’s new government, led by Prime Minister Michel Barnier, is adopting a tough stance on migration, aiming to decrease the number of individuals entering and residing in the country illegally. President Emmanuel Macron’s decision to call for snap legislative elections and appoint Barnier, a seasoned conservative from The Republicans party and former Brexit negotiator, reflects an attempt to bring stability to French politics amid ongoing turmoil.
The composition of the Barnier government, comprising conservatives and centrists, lacks a parliamentary majority, leading to potential challenges in passing new legislation. The French National Assembly is now divided among leftist, centrist, and far-right factions, complicating the government’s agenda. Prime Minister Barnier is expected to outline his administration’s priorities in a policy speech at the National Assembly.
Barnier has been vocal about strengthening French borders and controlling migratory flows, drawing parallels with measures taken by neighboring countries like Germany. Critics suggest that the government’s immigration approach is influenced by the far-right National Rally party, which holds significant influence over its survival.
Bruno Retailleau, appointed as the interior minister, aligns with Barnier’s tough stance on immigration. Retailleau aims to reform France’s state medical assistance for undocumented migrants by restricting it to emergency care only. The proposed changes have garnered mixed reactions, with concerns raised by former health ministers regarding potential strains on the healthcare system and delayed treatment for individuals.
Retailleau’s agenda includes bolstering border controls, reintroducing laws penalizing illegal entry into France, and negotiating agreements with North African nations to manage migrants before they reach French territory. These measures underscore a broader shift towards stricter immigration policies, raising concerns among civil society groups about the treatment of migrants in France and across Europe.
While some proposals face obstacles in parliament and conflicts with European rulings, Barnier and Retailleau assert their ability to implement changes through decrees and operational directives. Despite criticisms of the government’s hardline approach, France’s migration policy has been gradually tightening in recent years under successive administrations, signaling a longstanding trend towards stricter immigration control strategies.
The escalating number of asylum applications in France, reaching 145,000 in 2023, highlights the urgency of addressing migration challenges. France ranks third in the EU for asylum requests, trailing behind Germany and Spain. The government’s efforts to navigate complex immigration issues and manage the influx of migrants reflect broader geopolitical and social dynamics shaping France’s approach to migration.