France to Tighten Border Controls Amid Immigration Debate: PM Michel Barnier

Prime Minister Michel Barnier emphasized enhanced border control and immigration management in a parliamentary speech. Barnier noted the influence of far-right parties, particularly Marine Le Pen's, in the immigration debate. Drawing from Germany's actions, France may reinstate border checks under EU guidelines and pursue new bilateral immigration deals.

In a crucial address to parliament on Tuesday, Prime Minister Michel Barnier declared that France must enhance its border control measures, underscoring immigration as a top government priority.

Highlighting the mounting influence of far-right parties across Europe, Barnier acknowledged that immigration has become a contentious issue. He noted Marine Le Pen's party has conditioned its support for his minority government on stricter immigration curbs. "We are no longer managing to control our immigration policy in a satisfactory manner," Barnier admitted. "We must urgently get immigration out of the ideological deadlock it's been put in by some," he said.

France aims to parallel Germany's recent border control measures while complying with EU rules. Barnier announced, "France will continue, as long as it is necessary, to re-establish checks at its own borders, as EU rules allow and as Germany has just done."

Barnier suggested reviving talks on bilateral immigration pacts, highlighting a 1968 agreement with Algeria granting special rights to Algerians in France. He hinted that visas might become conditional on these countries agreeing to repatriate their nationals, targeting certain North African states.

(With inputs from agencies.)