Eric Ciotti of the Les Républicains party was dismayed following the decision by the Constitutional Council to invalidate the shared initiative referendum on April 12. He accused the Council of being under President Macron’s influence and avoiding discussions on migration issues. This decision was seen as a democratic scandal with potentially significant consequences for the country. Ciotti made this statement at a symbolic location, a Franco-Italian border post in Menton, in an attempt to highlight the tangible effects of the Council’s decision on immigration.
The Les Républicains party has consistently criticized the lack of control over immigration and the perceived failure of France and Europe in addressing this issue. Laurent Wauquiez, a potential presidential candidate, had previously referred to it as a “coup d’état of law” after the Constitutional Council’s extensive censorship of an immigration law in January. In the same vein, François-Xavier Bellamy, the LR’s lead candidate in the European elections, emphasized the need to regain control over immigration and criticized the state’s powerlessness in effectively managing illegal immigration. He stressed the importance of addressing this issue to empower the French people in shaping their destiny.
François-Xavier Bellamy, with polling numbers ranging between 7% and 8%, continues his grassroots campaign away from traditional rallies to engage with a wider audience. He has been visiting farms, ports, and even a weapons factory to connect with different segments of society. During a visit to the border police, Bellamy emphasized the necessity of restoring borders for the safety of French and European citizens, highlighting the risk of individuals crossing borders being exposed to Islamist radicalization. This message aims to resonate with voters concerned about immigration and border security.
The LR’s focus on immigration is part of a broader strategy to present themselves as defenders of French sovereignty and security. By highlighting the consequences of uncontrolled immigration, they seek to differentiate themselves from other political parties and appeal to voters who prioritize immigration control. This approach is also intended to set the stage for the upcoming presidential elections, positioning the LR as the party capable of addressing issues crucial to the French population. The LR’s consistent rhetoric on the perceived failures of the state in managing immigration aims to tap into public concerns and dissatisfaction on the matter.
The LR’s insistence on highlighting the implications of the Constitutional Council’s decision on immigration reflects their commitment to keeping this issue at the forefront of political discourse. Whether through strong statements or symbolic actions like Ciotti’s declaration at a border post, the LR seeks to show their unwavering dedication to addressing immigration concerns. By framing the issue as a matter of democratic governance and national security, the LR aims to mobilize support and position themselves as the party capable of delivering effective solutions to immigration challenges.
