France is expected to implement more stringent immigration and security policies to align with a broader societal shift to the right, according to the country's new interior minister. Bruno Retailleau's emphasis on stricter asylum policies, harsher penalties for crimes against police, longer prison sentences, and tougher measures against drug trafficking highlight the influence of Marine Le Pen's National Rally (RN) on the recently formed government.
Following the June election, where the centre-right lost its majority, the rising RN assumed a pivotal role, tacitly supporting Michel Barnier's premiership while reserving the right to withdraw support if their demands are unmet. Retailleau, a 63-year-old veteran of the mainstream conservative Republicans (LR) party and a long-time skeptic of immigration, provided limited details about his vision for the interior ministry during Barnier's inaugural cabinet meeting. However, in subsequent press interviews, he has been more forthcoming, stating that new measures will be unveiled within weeks and that France must 'strengthen our legislative arsenal'.
Retailleau aims to halt illegal entries and increase deportations, particularly for illegal immigrants. He also hinted at the potential use of decrees, leveraging the interior minister's significant regulatory powers. Echoing RN officials, Retailleau suggested that France and other European nations should unite to pressure the EU to toughen its immigration laws. He cited Germany's recent decision to impose temporary border checks as evidence of a broader rightward shift in European immigration policies.
Retailleau plans to convene prefects from regions with high immigration numbers to instruct them on increasing expulsions and reducing regularization. He also intends to engage with North African nations to prevent undocumented migrants from reaching France. While acknowledging the RN's influence, Retailleau emphasized that his actions are guided by the will of the French people, who have clearly expressed a desire for more security and less immigration.
