Front National and the Parti Socialiste weigh in on the issue
Hello once more!
I’ve devised my method of approach on the topic of Immigration and its effect on the social state. I’ll come at this issue like any citizen of France might: First, by what they hear in the news and from the government, and then head inwards to opinion papers and reports on the subject. I figured one of the best places to start is with the two parties with the most to say about immigration: The Front National and the Parti Socialiste. I searched through both of the party websites and tracked down what I found to be specific references to the issue at hand.
First, Front National:
http://www.frontnational.com/programmeimmigration.php
On this site I found a list of their principal issues and the corresponding party position. Under the section on immigration, this party had a lot of inflammatory remarks to make, but I was able to find a few relating specifically to its effect on the health system. About half-way down the page, a statistic is cited: “700 millions d’euros : c’est le coût annuel de l’Aide médicale d’État (AME) réservée aux étrangers en situation illégale.” Of course, this makes reference to illegal immigrants, but at least it’s a start. The site also mentions a report, the “rapport Milloz”, from which this party cites many of its statistics. I tried hunting it down, but it appears to not be part of the public domain. I’ll keep searching for it just the same.
Next, the Parti Socialiste:
This link will take you to the issues section of the Socialist party, specifically to a word document outlining the postion of Segolene Royal. Probably a left-over from the campaign, but still useful in assessing the opinion of this party. Royal and her party admit that illegal immigration is a problem in the country, but also that the postion of the right is too strict and not humane enough to tackle it. At one point, it is mentioned: “Le droit au regroupement familial doit être également clairement posé. Pour des raisons humaines, mais aussi de santé publique, les principes de l’Aide Médicale d’Etat doivent être rétablis, sans délai.”
I think that it’ll be interesting to track these two opinions to the root: the reason why both sides feel they must justify amending the status quo in light of immigration. With any luck, I might find a pretty profound opinion on social aid in this age of the global community
2 responses so far
Hi Cameron,
What a great blog! You’re doing a great job explaining your method of research and explaining the questions that you are asking yourself. I think that your topic is very interesting and very specific! This is good! I look forward to reading more from you!
C’est un bon sujet. Même si l’état social est plutôt associé avec le partie Socialiste, ta thème montre comment le Front National devient apparent dans les politiques sociales à cause de l’immigration. Malgré que le partie Socialiste supporte l’état social, cela pourrait être de voir si leurs opinions changent quand ils s’agit des immigrants illegaux.