French PM Bayrou Faces Backlash Over 'Submersion' Immigration Comment

François Bayrou defends his remarks on immigration, emphasizing the challenges in Mayotte, as criticism arises from both political allies and opponents.

• Prime Minister François Bayrou described a 'sentiment of submersion' regarding immigration during a televised interview, particularly citing Mayotte's challenges with illegal immigration.
• Bayrou clarified his remarks in parliament, emphasizing the term's relevance to Mayotte, where illegal immigration constitutes 25% of the population, while rejecting xenophobic interpretations.
• The comments drew support from right-leaning ministers like Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau, who saw it as aligning with stricter immigration policies.
• The left and some centrist allies condemned the language as echoing far-right rhetoric, with critics highlighting France's long history of immigration and integration.
• Bayrou also proposed restricting the right of soil for citizenship in Mayotte, a measure set for parliamentary debate on February 6.

77 Articles

l'Opinion l'Opinion Sud Ouest Libération Le Point l'Opinion Le Parisien Le Parisien Le Parisien Le Parisien l'Opinion Le Figaro Le Parisien Libération Ouest-France Sud Ouest Le Nouvel Obs La Croix Le Figaro L'Express Le Point L'Humanité Libération Le Parisien Le Journal du Dimanche Le Figaro L'Humanité L'Humanité Ouest-France La Croix L'Humanité L'Humanité Atlantico Sud Ouest Ouest-France l'Opinion Le Figaro Le Parisien L'Humanité l'Opinion Le Journal du Dimanche Ouest-France Le Nouvel Obs Le Journal du Dimanche Le Parisien Le Parisien Le Parisien L'Humanité Libération L'Humanité l'Opinion Ouest-France Sud Ouest Le Nouvel Obs Libération Le Parisien Libération La Croix L'Humanité Libération L'Express Le Figaro Le Parisien La Croix Ouest-France Le Journal du Dimanche Sud Ouest Ouest-France L'Humanité L'Express l'Opinion Le Figaro Le Nouvel Obs Ouest-France Sud Ouest Le Parisien l'Opinion