French PM François Bayrou Faces Backlash Over Migration Comments

Bayrou's use of far-right terminology in a televised interview has strained political alliances and reignited debates on immigration policy.

Prime Minister François Bayrou described immigration as provoking a 'feeling of submersion,' a term associated with far-right rhetoric, during a televised interview on January 27.
Bayrou's remarks have drawn criticism from the Socialist Party, which has threatened to halt budget negotiations unless he retracts the term, though he has refused to do so.
The controversy comes as immigration remains a polarizing issue in France, with recent polls showing 65% of French respondents believe there are 'too many foreigners' in the country.
While Bayrou has rejected far-right measures like ending jus soli or holding a referendum on immigration, his comments have emboldened the Rassemblement National, which now plays a pivotal role in ongoing budget discussions.
The Socialist Party faces internal divisions over whether to formally censure Bayrou's government, while the RN has introduced new demands tied to budget approval, complicating negotiations further.