Rising polls accompany Marine Le Pen’s claim there is no discrimination in France as she floats expelling immigrants
Protests and rising support
Protests have spread across France in recent weeks amid a stagnating economy. The article says the unrest has helped fuel support for extremist politicians. Since the protests began, polls have shown Le Pen’s popularity increasing.
Le Pen on immigration
Le Pen again identified immigration as a major problem facing France. She argued that immigrants who do not assimilate should be expelled, while describing France as “the least racist” country in the world. Phillips raised the high unemployment rate among immigrants, saying people in immigrant communities might attribute it to discrimination. Le Pen replied, “No, that doesn’t exist,” and added, “You’re not going to import those ideas here.”
Warning of forced departure
Asked about sending back immigrants who are not adopting the French way, Le Pen described people who reject French culture and laws as welcome to leave. She added that authorities might force them to go.
Le Pen also said she would not allow France to be called extremist. She said French people had come to know her over time and characterized the moment as the end of a chapter and a world built on unrestrained globalization.
Key points
- Protests tied to a stagnating economy have continued across France in recent weeks.
- Polls show Le Pen’s popularity has risen since the protests began.
- Le Pen denied discrimination in France and backed expelling immigrants who do not assimilate.
- She rejected calling France extremist and described a shift away from unrestrained globalization.