- Mayotte is a hub for thousands of Comorans fleeing poverty and corruption.
- The influx has sparked tensions, with locals complaining about crime and poverty.
- The measure is part of a broader political controversy surrounding immigration in France.
On Sunday, French authorities announced their intention to revoke birthright citizenship on the Indian Ocean island of Mayotte, the country’s poorest overseas territory, which has been grappling with social unrest and a severe migration crisis.
Mayotte comprises two islands that opted to remain part of France in 1973, while others in the neighboring Muslim-majority archipelago pursued independence, forming the Comoros Islands. Every year, thousands of Comorans fleeing the poverty and corruption of their homeland make the journey to Mayotte in search of improved living standards.
The influx has sparked significant tensions, with many locals in Mayotte voicing complaints about crime and poverty. Over the past three weeks, activists have staged strikes and erected roadblocks to protest against the lack of security and the migration crisis.
“We are going to take a radical decision,” Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin told reporters on a visit to the island on Sunday.
“It will no longer be possible to become French if you are not the child of a French parent,” he added.
He stated that implementing the measure would necessitate a constitutional amendment and would diminish “the attractiveness” of the archipelago for potential migrants.
Immigration, a hot-button issue in France, frequently stirs controversy within the political class. In December, the French parliament approved a stringent immigration bill under pressure from the right. In January, France’s top constitutional authority criticized controversial additions made under pressure from the right and far right.
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