New French Prime Minister Barnier Proposes Increased Border Controls

paris - The new French Prime Minister Michel Barnier aims to tighten border controls to combat illegal immigration and cross-border crime.

The new French Prime Minister Michel Barnier is pushing for stricter border controls to tackle illegal immigration. According to him, France is currently failing to sufficiently monitor its borders, implement migration policies, or address cross-border crime. He is looking towards Germany, which introduced random border checks along its western borders in September. Berlin had previously implemented similar measures at other borders. These temporary measures are allowed under certain circumstances by the rules of the European Union.

On Tuesday, Barnier delivered his opening speech to the parliament, where his new government lacks a majority. He may be seeking support from parties like Marine Le Pen's right-wing Rassemblement National, which holds 126 seats and has long called for reduced immigration. Barnier emphasized the need to take tough action against smugglers and human traffickers who exploit the misery of thousands of migrants in the Mediterranean or the English Channel. He also proposed stricter measures to deport illegal immigrants and detain them longer until removal.

President Emmanuel Macron appointed Barnier as Prime Minister following the July elections, which resulted in a deeply divided parliament. Macron's party now has only 96 seats, but together with allies, the coalition holds 212 seats in the 577-member French National Assembly. Barnier must now secure enough support among the remaining 365 members for his government's declaration. Failure to obtain a majority could result in the immediate resignation of the Barnier government.