Michel Barnier, the Prime Minister, is calling for a “control of expenses” for the State Medical Assistance (AME), which provides access to healthcare for immigrants in irregular situations. He emphasizes the importance of ensuring that the AME is not diverted from its intended purpose as a public health tool. The government had initially planned to increase the budget for AME in 2025 but has since expressed support for freezing the credits allocated to this program.
As of 2024, the AME represented around 0.5% of the healthcare expenses budgeted by the Social Security budget, with 466,000 beneficiaries at the end of 2023. Michel Barnier, along with Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau, recently visited the Italian border to discuss immigration with Italian ministers of foreign affairs and interior. Barnier plans to meet with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni, a member of an extreme right-wing post-fascist party, in November to continue discussions.
Barnier also addresses the issue of foreigners facing deportation orders (OQTF) whose home countries refuse to accept their return. He aims to engage in dialogues with these countries, such as Algeria and Morocco, in a respectful manner to explore various aspects ranging from visa issuance to development aid. The approach to these discussions will not be aggressive but will focus on strengthening bilateral cooperation.
The government’s shift towards controlling expenses for the AME indicates a desire to better manage funding and ensure that resources are used efficiently. By discussing cooperation with countries that play a key role in managing immigration flows, Barnier aims to find solutions that benefit both France and these partner countries. The focus is on maintaining a balance between providing essential healthcare services to immigrants in need while also addressing concerns related to managing immigration effectively.
Barnier emphasizes the importance of respecting the intended purpose of the AME as a tool for public health. By advocating for the control of expenses, he aims to prevent misuse of funds and uphold the program’s core objective of providing healthcare access to immigrants in irregular situations. The planned discussions with Italian and other European counterparts indicate a willingness to engage in constructive dialogues to address mutual concerns surrounding immigration and border control.
Overall, Michel Barnier’s approach to managing the AME and addressing immigration issues reflects a balanced perspective that considers both financial sustainability and upholding social responsibilities. By engaging in dialogues with relevant stakeholders and prioritizing efficient resource allocation, the government aims to navigate the complex challenges associated with immigration policies effectively. Barnier’s planned meetings and discussions with Italian and other international partners suggest a commitment to fostering collaborative relationships in addressing shared challenges related to immigration and border management.
