On the eve of the French legislative elections, tension is rising, particularly in the 9th constituency. In Morocco, candidates point out the incompatibility of the profiles in the running. Note that health and education remain the main concerns of French people living abroad, falling within this constituency.
The announcement by Emmanuel Macron, President of France, to dissolve the National Assembly, fell like a chopper on June 9. A decision that came a few minutes before the results of the European elections showing a large victory for the National Rally. From then on, the deputies mobilized to prepare for the deadline of June 30 with a view to the first round and July 1 for the second round.
In the 9th constituency of French people living abroad, which covers the Maghreb and part of West Africa, preparations are proving complicated. Indeed, it seems that some deputies were refused delivery of their ballot papers and posters even though they had provided all the necessary “paperwork” within the allotted time.
To get an official report, we tried to contact the French embassy in Morocco, which referred us to the Directorate of Communication and Press in France, but in vain. Furthermore, we note that voters opted for Internet voting. According to certain sources, so far more than 16,000 voters have participated in the vote, which started on June 25. Which represents a significant number compared to the participation usually recorded.
Absurdity
As for the candidates in the running, tension is at its peak. To inquire about the main concerns of the representative of the French abroad, we contacted Karim Bencheikh, the outgoing MP, who did not deign to respond to our requests. An attitude also criticized by French people residing in Morocco who denounce the latter’s silence and lack of involvement.
In the same vein, Seddik Khalfi, the candidate for France Insoumise, highlights the aberrations noted in this constituency concerning the profile of the candidates which presents incompatibilities, as stipulated in the memo. It is mentioned, in fact, that “the public nature of a non-elective function must be deduced from a set of indicators making it possible to determine whether its exercise by a parliamentarian would constitute a violation of the principle of separation of powers and independence of the deputy with regard to the executive power”. Which is also the case for Bencheikh who remains a diplomat.
For the left-wing candidate, it is also important that the representative lives in the constituency for a better understanding of the citizens’ grievances. And to add that this kind of aberration is only observed at the level of this constituency.
In his program, Khalfi emphasizes access to education. According to him, this access should be free for all French people, while currently French establishments require payment of tuition fees for everyone.
“These public establishments operate like private schools and make a profit. At the same time, they do not invest in improving the condition of the premises, which remains dilapidated, nor in the equipment, which has become obsolete. This situation is not normal, because it assumes that the money is sent to France,” he complains.
Health is another matter, since apparently any French person living abroad loses their right to social security, unless they pay huge sums to the CFE (Caisse des Français à l’étranger). Even if they suffer from a chronic illness, no security is guaranteed. French people living abroad are also not better off in terms of taxation.
For the candidate in the legislative elections, the tax system should be more balanced since the French state imposes taxes even for retirees. “Access to healthcare is a right. It is not because we live abroad that we are better off. Some retirees prefer to live elsewhere to live better with their small pensions. The latter should not even be taxable. Worse still, the state taxes the source, whether it comes from France or elsewhere. Thus, to better represent this community, it is important to operate on the ground,” Khalfi specifies.
It should be noted that consular services, such as the granting of visas, do not fall within the prerogatives of the constituency MP, but this does not prevent him from intervening in his capacity as MP. However, he could operate on binational subjects such as the legislation on Kafala.
Seddik Khalfi
Candidate of France Insoumise
“Access to care is a right. It is not because we live abroad that we are better off. Some retirees prefer to live elsewhere to live better with their small pensions. These should not even be taxable. Worse still, the State taxes the source whether it comes from France or elsewhere. So, to better represent this community, it is important to operate on the ground.”
Maryem Ouazzani / ECO Inspirations
