Frances Budget Talks Close Collapse After Socialists Pull Out 2025 01 29
Reuters7 days
France: Socialist Party Suspends Budget Talks Over PM Bayrou's Immigration Remarks
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Above: Francois Bayrou, Prime Minister, in Parliament in Paris, France, on Jan. 28, 2025. Image copyright: Andrea Savorani Neri/NurPhoto via Getty Images
The Facts
The French Socialist Party has suspended budget negotiations after comments made by Prime Minister François Bayrou during a TV interview on immigration. A budget proposal is expected to reach the National Assembly on Monday.
Speaking to LCI on Monday, Bayrou claimed that France could not "accept thousands of people in an irregular situation," and that France was "approaching" an "impression of submersion." In response, Socialist Party Pres. Oliviere Faure stated on X that it was wrong to "fight the extreme right by repeating its fantasies."
Bayrou defended his comments about immigration, specifically citing Mayotte where he claimed illegal immigration had reached 25% of the population, while government spokesperson Sophie Primas insisted the budget shouldn't be held hostage by the statement.
The Spin
Left narrative
François Bayrou’s recent comments show a dangerous alignment with extreme-right rhetoric. By invoking this language, Bayrou not only legitimizes divisive, fear-driven narratives but also risks alienating those who seek a more balanced and humane debate. His words reflect political recklessness that undermines democratic discourse and stokes xenophobic sentiments. This strategy could cost him much more than support—it could deepen societal fractures.
Right narrative
Bayrou has tapped into a sentiment felt by many, highlighting the unprecedented scale of migration the country is currently experiencing. Critics may focus on semantics, but the reality of growing immigration pressures cannot be ignored. Bayrou’s acknowledgment is a step toward addressing the crisis, but it is clear that rhetoric is unsatisfactory unless it is accompanied by action and Bayrou must still prove he is truly serious about protecting French sovereignty.
