French Government Considers Tougher Immigration Laws Amid Far-Right Pressure

France's new government is contemplating tougher immigration laws following the arrest of a Moroccan male suspect in the murder of a 19-year-old student in Paris. The far-right National Rally (RN) party, led by Marine Le Pen, is leveraging the incident to push its anti-immigration agenda. Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau acknowledges the need for legislative updates to protect French citizens.

France's new government is considering tougher immigration laws, the interior minister announced on Wednesday, responding to pressure from the far-right National Rally (RN) after a Moroccan male suspect was arrested for the murder of a 19-year-old female student in Paris.

Marine Le Pen's RN party has expressed its readiness to withdraw support for Prime Minister Michel Barnier's cabinet if immigration concerns are not addressed, stressing that the government's future hangs in the balance. The RN has used the murder of the student, identified only as Philippine, to advocate for stricter immigration rules.

RN leader Jordan Bardella criticized the state for its leniency on security and immigration after media reports indicated that the suspect, a 22-year-old migrant with a criminal record, had been ordered to leave France. New Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau stated, "If we need to change the rules, let's change them," signaling stronger immigration and security measures ahead.

(With inputs from agencies.)