France's Immigration Debate: Tragedy Fuels Political Turmoil
A tragic incident involving the murder of a 12-year-old French girl, Lola, by an Algerian-born woman has stirred controversy and division in France. The heinous crime has reignited debates on immigration laws, undocumented population, and far-right political responses. The incident sheds light on the complexities of immigration policies, social tensions, and potential consequences of far-right influence in France.
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CQ Press Lecture Spark OCTOBER 25, 2022 Connecting current events to your International Relations classroom
MURDER OF 12-YEAR-OLD GIRL FUELS DIVISION WITHIN FRANCE On Monday, October 24 a 12-year-old French girl was laid to rest in Northern France. The details surrounding the young girl s heinous death were described by French President Emmanuel Macron as evil. A 24-year-old Algerian-born woman allegedly raped, tortured, and ultimately killed the Parisian girl only known by her first name, Lola. It is unclear whether the murder suspect had an accomplice and reports indicate that she may suffer from mental illness. The shocking nature of Lola s demise have reignited debates about the country s immigration laws. What happened in France? 2
MURDER OF 12-YEAR-OLD GIRL FUELS DIVISION WITHIN FRANCE The suspect known as Dhabia B., was in France illegally after overstaying her visa and ignored orders to leave. As a result of the atrocious crime committed by a foreigner those seeking more stringent immigration laws in France have taken to the streets to demand reforms. Even though Lola s family have denounced efforts by those on the far right who have politicized her murder, roughly 6 in 10 people in France support placing those living in the country without permission into administrative detention. What have those who seek stricter immigration laws in France done as a result of Lola s murder? 3
Background and Key Concepts A preteen French school girl was recently murdered which has set off a political firestorm concerning the country s undocumented population. It is estimated that between 600,000 to 700,000 people are currently living in France without the appropriate documents. In addition, nearly all of those who are given expulsion orders fail to leave the country. France has a complicated history with its former colony, Algeria, where the suspect is from. Algerian officials have been reluctant to accept their nationals upon being deported. In response, the French government has reduced the number of visas issued to Algerians. Overshadowing this tragic event is the need for gas from Algeria - Africa s largest gas supplier - now in the face of Russia s invasion of Ukraine. The leader of the far-right Reconquest party, ric Zemmour, has been quick to brand Lola s murder as an attack on the French people and claims she was killed because of her nationality. Some on the right have called for mass deportations of immigrants considering what happened. It remains unclear whether France will embrace far-right political parties like other European countries recently have such as Italy, and Sweden. 4
Assessment Writing: What is the significance of Lola s murder? Debate:What factors contributed to Lola s murder? Poll: Should those living in France illegally be put into administrative detention? Short Answer: What are the ramifications if the far-right gains power in France? 5
