France Braces for Tougher Immigration Laws Amid Rightward Shift

France's new Interior Minister, Bruno Retailleau, is pushing for harsher immigration and security measures, reflecting a rightward shift in French society. Retailleau's stance mirrors Marine Le Pen's National Rally's influence on the new government. The RN's support is conditional, pending strict actions on immigration and security.

France is poised to tighten its immigration and security measures in response to a notable rightward shift in public sentiment, as indicated by new Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau. This move underscores the minority government's reliance on tacit far-right support.

Retailleau's stance, which includes harsher lines on asylum claims, police violence, prison sentences, radical Islam, and drug trafficking, mirrors the sway of Marine Le Pen's National Rally (RN) on President Emmanuel Macron's newly installed government. The RN has gained a kingmaker role following significant gains in the June elections.

Retailleau, a veteran of the conservative Republicans (LR) party, plans to unveil new measures soon and suggests European nations should collectively push for tougher EU immigration laws. He also intends to expel more illegal immigrants and consult with North African nations to curb migrant flows.

(With inputs from agencies.)