France's New Immigration Slant Under Pressure from Far-Right Influence

The French interior minister, facing pressure from the far-right National Rally (RN), has signaled a potential toughening of immigration laws following the arrest of a Moroccan man suspected of murdering a 19-year-old woman in Paris. This political pivot aligns with a broader rightward shift across Europe.

France's new government is considering tougher immigration laws, the Interior Minister announced Wednesday, following the arrest of a Moroccan man suspected of murdering a 19-year-old Parisian woman. This move comes amid increasing pressure from the far-right National Rally (RN).

The power of Marine Le Pen's RN party over Prime Minister Michel Barnier's recently installed government was evident as they seized on the young woman's murder, identified only as Philippine, to push for stricter immigration and crime laws. Philippine's body was found in Bois de Boulogne park after she was reported missing by her family.

The suspect, a 22-year-old Moroccan with a prior rape conviction in France, was arrested in Geneva. French authorities are seeking his extradition. Under RN pressure, Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau is considering legal changes to prevent similar incidents in the future.

(With inputs from agencies.)