Although the idea was officially rejected on Monday evening by Matignon, other issues from the program defended by Michel Barnier during the LR primary in 2021, such as the moratorium on immigration or the tightening of family reunification, are far from pleasing within the ranks of the majority.
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This seems wiser. On Monday evening, September 9, Matignon refuted any “reflection” on the creation of a Ministry of Immigration, as reported by France Info. Michel Barnier “is wary of announcements and wants to treat the subject of immigration seriously,” promises his entourage. Enough to relieve some Macronists who, not delighted with the nomination of the LR, already saw themselves being served a ladleful of seum. “It depends on what you put in it. But if it is to resurrect national identity and Brice Hortefeux, it’s sure that it’s not going to work,” an EPR MP texted us on Monday afternoon.
What remains of Sarkozysm?
The same allusion was made by another of his colleagues EPR (Ensemble pour la République), to the memorable (non) ministry created under the presidency of Nicolas Sarkozy and occupied by Brice Hortefeux then Eric Besson: “I recommend adding ‘and national identity’ to be completely clear.” And the same, afflicted, continues: “If this continues, it is not on the budget that Barnier risks being overthrown, but on sovereign issues. Add a pinch of Bruno Retailleau at Beauvau or at Justice, and everything will be fine.”
High morale, therefore, in the troops of the former majority who did not jump for joy at the resurfacing of Barnier’s ultra-muscular proposals during the LR primary in 2021 (moratorium on immigration, tightening of family reunification, etc.). If we believe the denial from Matignon, they will not have to swallow this snake… As for Retailleau in government, the risk has not been ruled out.
