French Justice Minister Gerald Darmanin proposed almost completely stopping legal immigration for 2-3 years, as he prepares to participate in the race to the Elysee Palace.
Speaking on television on January 29, Mr. Darmanin said he supported the temporary suspension of immigration accompanied by wage increases, so that jobs previously undertaken by foreign workers could be transferred to French citizens.
According to Mr. Darmanin, after the freeze period, France may apply a quota system and hold referendums to decide the number of immigrants allowed to enter the country in the future. The proposal was made in the context that immigration issues are increasingly becoming a central topic of French political life.
Data from the French Ministry of Interior shows that the country currently has nearly 4.5 million legal immigrants, accounting for more than 8% of the adult population. About 700,000 others are believed to be living illegally. A poll quoted by The Times newspaper said that 80% of French voters support tougher immigration policies.
In politics, leader of the Jordanian National Union party Bardella is leading the polls for the upcoming presidential election. Mr. Bardella considers immigration a threat to the survival of France and pledged to hold a referendum on this issue if elected. Meanwhile, former Prime Minister Gabriel Attal of the Renaissance party led by President Emmanuel Macron is far behind.
Mr. Darmanin, a member of President Macron's party, identified himself as a potential presidential candidate and called for a preliminary election to choose a face to confront the far-right. Previously, in 2023, he drafted an immigration reform bill with many tightening measures, but key provisions were rejected by the Constitutional Council. The later passed version of the law allowed some illegal immigrant workers to apply for work permits and simplified deportation procedures.
Although seeking support from right-wing voters, Mr. Darmanin affirmed that he would not introduce any new immigration bill.
