A significant majority of people in France favor a comprehensive deportation initiative targeting foreigners deemed harmful to society.
According to a poll by Consumer Science & Analytics (CSA) for Le Journal du Dimanche, eighty-three percent of French citizens back the idea of “reluctant immigration,” which includes expelling unemployed immigrants and those involved in criminal activities.
Conversely, only 17 percent of respondents are against such deportation measures.
Interestingly, this sentiment spans across various age groups, but it’s the younger voters, those aged 18 to 24, who are the most supportive, with 90 percent in favor. Among those 65 and older, support is also high at 87%.
The findings indicate a broad consensus among different socio-economic groups. Still, it is worth noting that individuals from lower economic classes show even higher support for deportation measures, 84% compared to 78% among wealthier individuals.
Left-leaning party supporters expressed less enthusiasm for restrictive immigration policies, yet the survey revealed notable majority support among these groups: 66% of La France Insoumise (LFI) voters, 68% of Ecologist voters, 75% of Socialist voters, and 81% of neoliberal Macronists.
The strongest backing came from Républican supporters at 96%, followed closely by Rally National backers at 93%.
This poll follows the European Parliament’s recent decision to allow EU nations to create deportation centers outside the bloc in collaboration with non-EU countries.
Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni has publicly praised this development, noting her government’s previous agreement with Albania to establish such a center, although courts have since halted those efforts. More than 20 other European nations are interested in partnering with Italy on these deportation facilities.
In contrast, the French government has resisted this approach, with President Emmanuel Macron stating that France will not utilize third-party deportation centers, contrary to the new EU policy.
This stance may change, especially as President Macron enters his final year in office, unable to run for re-election due to term limits.
Marine Le Pen’s National Rally seems to be gaining momentum in the political landscape, particularly as anti-immigration sentiment grows in France, and Macron has stepped back from the political race.
It’s uncertain if Le Pen will have the opportunity to run; there’s talk of her facing suspension over embezzlement allegations. Recent updates suggest that either she or her deputy, Jordan Bardella, could be frontrunners in potential election scenarios.
French lawmaker Sarah Cunafo weighed in on the growing call for stricter immigration control, stating, “The fight against immigration is widely accepted in France. Even many left-wing voters seek to halt this immigration model.
“This issue seems to be polarizing mainly within the political media circles. It’s time to move past guilt and take action.”
