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The recent elections in France have significantly impacted the migration debate within the European Union. The issue of migration has been a divisive topic among French voters, influencing their electoral choices and shaping the political landscape. This analysis examines the influence of migration concerns on French elections and their broader implications for the EU.

Voter Concerns and Political Stance

Migration remains a paramount issue for many French voters, particularly those aligned with right-wing and far-right parties. A substantial majority of Jordan Bardella’s supporters (79%) and François-Xavier Bellamy’s voters (57%) prioritized immigration, contrasting sharply with only 13% of left-wing Raphaël Glucksmann’s supporters who viewed it as a primary concern. Emmanuel Rivière, a political scientist, highlighted that anti-immigration sentiment is predominantly a right-wing phenomenon, whereas left-wing voters consider it a minor issue.

This heightened concern was evident in the European context as well. The Eurobarometer survey revealed that 19% of French voters viewed immigration as a critical problem for the EU, following the war in Ukraine (30%) and the cost of living (23%).

Election Outcomes and Political Implications

The two-round parliamentary elections, starting June 30 and concluding on July 7, were crucial in shaping France’s political future. The results not only influenced domestic policies but also had significant implications for dual citizens, foreign policy, and the management of France’s nuclear arsenal and global military presence.

Economic woes and dissatisfaction with President Emmanuel Macron’s leadership have fueled support for Marine Le Pen’s anti-immigration National Rally (RN). This party capitalized on public discontent, further embedding migration issues into the national debate.

Divergent Political Positions

The RN’s focus on immigration starkly contrasts with the left-wing Nouveau Front Populaire (NFP) alliance’s approach. President Macron’s coalition has defended its record on immigration, while the NFP has proposed comprehensive measures to ensure dignified treatment for migrants. Macron criticized the NFP’s proposals as “totally immigrationist,” a term commonly used by the far right to undermine leftist policies.

The NFP’s 12-point program emphasizes reality-based solutions, addressing the reception crisis rather than the migration itself. Benoît Hamon, leader of the NGO SINGA, which supports refugees, underscored the importance of pragmatic solutions over exaggerated fears.

Legislative Background and Policy Proposals

Under Macron’s presidency, several immigration laws were enacted, which the left aims to repeal. The “Collomb Law” of 2018 extended pre-deportation detention from 45 to 90 days and mandated certain asylum seekers to leave France after their initial rejection. The 2024 law, spearheaded by Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin, expanded the criteria for deporting foreign nationals with criminal records.

Despite these stringent measures, many provisions, such as reforming the National Court of Asylum and simplifying regularization processes for undocumented workers, remain unimplemented. The left has proposed numerous initiatives to enhance public policies, requiring both financial investment and political commitment. These include social support measures and granting work authorization to asylum seekers, which, while legally possible, are seldom enforced by local authorities.

The French elections have underscored the pivotal role of migration in shaping voter preferences and political discourse. The stark divide between right-wing and left-wing approaches to immigration reflects broader societal tensions and varying perspectives on national identity and humanitarian obligations. As France navigates its political future, the outcomes of these elections will reverberate through the EU, influencing collective policies and responses to migration challenges. The evolving debate on immigration in France will continue to impact the European landscape, highlighting the need for balanced and comprehensive strategies to address this complex issue.

Written by: Nenad Stekić