Laurent Wauquiez Proposes Controversial Detention Policy for Foreign Nationals
The leader of the French Republicans' parliamentary group suggests holding dangerous foreigners in a detention center on the remote territory of Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon.
Laurent Wauquiez, leader of the parliamentary group of the Republican Party (LR) in France, has ignited a political uproar with his proposal to detain dangerous foreign nationals under an obligation to leave French territory (OQTF) at a facility in Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon.
This statement was made during an interview on April 8, 2025, amid his campaign for the presidency of the LR.
Wauquiez's plan suggests that individuals deemed dangerous would be sent to this French overseas territory, located approximately 4,000 kilometers from mainland France and with a population of nearly 6,000.
He argues that the measures aim to pressure these foreign nationals to accept repatriation, offering them a choice: either go to Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon or return to their countries of origin.
He noted that those attempting to return to the mainland would be stopped at customs, as the territory is not part of the Schengen Area.
Citing the harsh climate of the archipelago, Wauquiez highlighted that it averages 5 degrees Celsius annually and experiences 146 days of rain and snow, suggesting that the environmental conditions would encourage individuals to reconsider returning to their home countries.
He also refused to draw parallels between his proposal and policies of former U.S. President Donald Trump, instead asserting that he looks to Australia’s practices regarding illegal migrants.
The proposal has triggered widespread condemnation across the French political spectrum.
Manuel Valls, the Minister of Overseas Territories, expressed indignation, stating, "this is France, not a prison or a detention center." He rejected the notion of treating any French territory as a site for forced exile.
Marine Le Pen, leader of the National Rally, criticized the proposal as inappropriate for a French territory, asserting that OQTF individuals should be returned to their own countries.
Similarly, Stéphane Lenormand, a deputy from Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon, condemned Wauquiez's plan, labeling it as displaying disrespect for the inhabitants.
Further critiques emerged from both the left and the presidential camp, with Alexis Corbière, a left-wing deputy, branding the idea as reminiscent of historical penal colonies.
The timing of Wauquiez’s remarks coincides with the upcoming LR congress scheduled for mid-May, where a new party president will be elected.
His statements reflect ongoing tensions surrounding immigration policy in France, particularly following a recent setback for party colleague Bruno Retailleau regarding the return of dangerous individuals to Algeria.
As the political debate continues, Wauquiez remains determined to pursue a firm stance on immigration while positioning himself as a viable candidate for the presidency in 2027.
This statement was made during an interview on April 8, 2025, amid his campaign for the presidency of the LR.
Wauquiez's plan suggests that individuals deemed dangerous would be sent to this French overseas territory, located approximately 4,000 kilometers from mainland France and with a population of nearly 6,000.
He argues that the measures aim to pressure these foreign nationals to accept repatriation, offering them a choice: either go to Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon or return to their countries of origin.
He noted that those attempting to return to the mainland would be stopped at customs, as the territory is not part of the Schengen Area.
Citing the harsh climate of the archipelago, Wauquiez highlighted that it averages 5 degrees Celsius annually and experiences 146 days of rain and snow, suggesting that the environmental conditions would encourage individuals to reconsider returning to their home countries.
He also refused to draw parallels between his proposal and policies of former U.S. President Donald Trump, instead asserting that he looks to Australia’s practices regarding illegal migrants.
The proposal has triggered widespread condemnation across the French political spectrum.
Manuel Valls, the Minister of Overseas Territories, expressed indignation, stating, "this is France, not a prison or a detention center." He rejected the notion of treating any French territory as a site for forced exile.
Marine Le Pen, leader of the National Rally, criticized the proposal as inappropriate for a French territory, asserting that OQTF individuals should be returned to their own countries.
Similarly, Stéphane Lenormand, a deputy from Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon, condemned Wauquiez's plan, labeling it as displaying disrespect for the inhabitants.
Further critiques emerged from both the left and the presidential camp, with Alexis Corbière, a left-wing deputy, branding the idea as reminiscent of historical penal colonies.
The timing of Wauquiez’s remarks coincides with the upcoming LR congress scheduled for mid-May, where a new party president will be elected.
His statements reflect ongoing tensions surrounding immigration policy in France, particularly following a recent setback for party colleague Bruno Retailleau regarding the return of dangerous individuals to Algeria.
As the political debate continues, Wauquiez remains determined to pursue a firm stance on immigration while positioning himself as a viable candidate for the presidency in 2027.