France's Government Adopts Hardline Migration Stance Amid Political Turmoil

Prime Minister Michel Barnier's new administration aims to significantly reduce illegal immigration despite a divided parliament.

President Emmanuel Macron appointed conservative Michel Barnier as Prime Minister following snap legislative elections in June.
The new government, lacking a parliamentary majority, faces opposition from leftist, centrist, and far-right blocs.
Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau plans to limit state medical assistance for undocumented migrants and toughen border controls.
Critics argue that the government's migration policies are heavily influenced by the far-right National Rally party.
France recorded 145,000 new asylum requests in 2023, the highest since 2016, ranking third in the EU behind Germany and Spain.