In a fiery exchange that has sent shockwaves through the political landscape, Marion Maréchal has unleashed a blistering critique of Valérie Pécresse’s immigration policies, branding her approach as indecisive and ineffective. The debate, which aired recently, saw Maréchal assert her strong stance on immigration control, calling for a drastic reduction in foreign nationals residing in France. “We need to ensure that there are more departures than arrivals,” she declared, challenging Pécresse’s reluctance to embrace the concept of “zero immigration.”

Maréchal’s arguments were punctuated by alarming statistics, revealing that nearly 30% of individuals on France’s radicalization watchlist are foreign nationals, a figure she insists justifies her call for stringent immigration measures. She argued passionately that criminals and undocumented immigrants should not be allowed to remain in the country, emphasizing the need for a rigorous evaluation of residency permits.

The debate took a sharp turn as Maréchal criticized Pécresse for her perceived failure to confront the issues surrounding immigration, accusing her of hiding behind the complexities of work-related immigration while neglecting the larger picture. “Immigration should be controlled, not automatic,” she asserted, advocating for a system that prioritizes national interests and assimilation.

As the exchange heated up, Maréchal’s rhetoric intensified, declaring, “France must choose who it welcomes; it must be earned, not given.” Her remarks have ignited fierce discussions across social media, with supporters rallying behind her call for a more nationalist approach to immigration policy.

With the 2024 elections looming, this confrontation underscores a critical divide within the French political right, as both leaders vie for the support of a populace increasingly concerned about immigration and national identity. The stakes have never been higher, and as the debate rages on, the future of France’s immigration policy hangs in the balance.