PARIS — France's newly appointed government, led by Prime Minister Michel Barnier, has pledged to take a tougher stance on immigration, with key officials vowing to reduce the number of people entering and staying illegally in the country. This comes as President Emmanuel Macron's administration faces political challenges, with a divided parliament and increasing pressure from far-right and conservative parties.

In televised interviews, Barnier criticized the state of France’s borders and promised to limit immigration, citing measures taken by neighboring countries like Germany. His hardline approach is mirrored by the appointment of Bruno Retailleau as interior minister, who has announced plans to toughen immigration policies, including revisiting healthcare assistance for undocumented migrants and increasing deportations.

The shift toward more stringent immigration policies has raised concerns among civil society groups and migrant advocates, with critics arguing that the move echoes far-right rhetoric and signals an increasingly hostile environment for migrants seeking refuge in France.

Despite the challenges of passing new legislation through a divided National Assembly, Barnier and his government aim to implement some measures without parliamentary approval, through decrees and administrative orders. — Agencies