Marine Le Pen visited Mayotte on a two-day trip to review the government’s reconstruction plan, “Mayotte debout,” which she feels does not go far enough. She believes that a crucial diplomatic aspect is missing from the plan and expressed concerns about illegal immigration. She stated that she had come to Mayotte to listen to the locals and address their suffering following the devastation caused by Cyclone Chido, which hit the poorest department in France. Le Pen highlighted the need for urgent action and criticized the government for not addressing these issues sooner.
Concerns over illegal immigration in Mayotte have been growing, with estimates suggesting a significant population increase due to undocumented migrants. French Prime Minister François Bayrou has called for a detailed census of the population and raised the possibility of revisiting birthright citizenship laws in Mayotte, which are already restricted. The government is considering a special law to speed up the reconstruction and address the challenges faced by the island. Three government ministers have emphasized the importance of implementing stricter immigration policies to ensure the lasting recovery of Mayotte from the cyclone’s impact.
In a joint statement published in Le Figaro, Ministers Bruno Retailleau, Manuel Valls, and Sébastien Lecornu underscored the need for firm immigration measures to rebuild Mayotte effectively. They emphasized the necessity of combating illegal immigration and increasing resources to support reconstruction efforts. The government will introduce further measures to strengthen immigration policies, such as extending the residency requirement for children to obtain French nationality, tackling fraudulent paternity claims, and expanding assistance for the voluntary return of African nationals to their home countries.
The government plans to present a second legislative proposal for Mayotte, following an initial emergency bill set to be discussed in the upcoming cabinet meeting. These new measures will be developed in consultation with local elected officials to address the specific challenges faced by Mayotte. The aim is to implement a comprehensive strategy that combines reconstruction efforts with more stringent immigration controls to ensure the sustainable recovery of the cyclone-affected territory. The government’s approach reflects a commitment to addressing the complex issues related to illegal migration and ensuring the long-term stability of Mayotte.
Overall, the visit of Marine Le Pen to Mayotte underscored the urgent need for comprehensive action to address the aftermath of Cyclone Chido and the underlying challenges faced by the island, including illegal immigration. The government’s response, including the development of a second legislative proposal and enforcement of stricter immigration measures, reflects a commitment to rebuilding Mayotte effectively and ensuring the well-being of its residents. The discussions and initiatives outlined by government officials signal a proactive approach towards addressing the complex socio-economic and environmental issues in Mayotte and fostering a more sustainable future for the region.
