France: Paris

Abstract

Issues that are connected with immigration, integration and ethnicity became more important in French society over the past few years. Traditionally the virtues of assimilation are pointed to in France, which can be illustrated by referring to the two ex-prime ministers who came from immigrant families (Balladur: Iranian-Turkish origin; Bérégovoy: Ukranian origin). However, not everyone is convinced of the virtues of pluralism. The rise and stabilization of the extreme right-wing Front National is an omen that not all French still believe in an open-hearted admission and integration policy. Especially the Algerians and other South Mediterraneans have to pay, according to the ideology of the Front. The recent problems in Algeria, with the coming of terrorism to the French territory, obviously do not help in the creation of a good image. Everyone, including the opponents of the Front National, agrees that the hopeless situation in a number of suburbs of Paris and Lyon is socially undesirable. Moreover, it is evident that the population of the problem quarters does not form a reflection of the French population: there is an overrepresentation of South Mediterraneans without jobs, education or opportunities. The fear of exclusion of large groups of the population has gradually become justified.