French Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau reiterated his commitment to stricter immigration policies advocating for abolishing birthright citizenship in Mayotte, reforming State Medical Aid (AME), and terminating the 1968 agreement governing the entry of Algerian nationals into France, during his appearance on network channel “BFMTV” on Sunday.
The bilateral agreement, signed on December 27, 1968, established unique conditions for Algerians in terms of movement, residency, and employment in France.
Retailleau expressed frustration over Algeria’s perceived antagonism, citing the refusal to allow Algerian influencer Doualemn, expelled from France, to enter its territory despite holding a biometric passport.
He also criticized Algeria’s treatment of Franco-Algerian writer Boualem Sansal, who was imprisoned in the country. Retailleau insisted on implementing strong measures to establish a balance of power in France’s response.
The minister also proposed reforms to the principle of birthright citizenship. He suggested replacing automatic citizenship with a voluntary act, citing the 1993 Pasqua law, which required minors born in France to foreign parents to request citizenship between the ages of 16 and 21.
Retailleau addressed the controversial issue of reforming AME, which provides healthcare access to undocumented migrants from low income households. The minister supported recommendations from the Evin/Stefanini report in late 2023, which suggested adjustments to the scope of care covered by AME.
Critics of the AME system, particularly on the aspect of rights, argue it encourages irregular immigration. Meanwhile, proponents, including health professionals, emphasize its role in preventing the spread of diseases and reducing long-term healthcare costs.
In December, the Senate approved a government-backed reduction of EUR 200 million in AME funding, lowering its total budget to EUR 1.3 billion. The measure has sparked significant debate, with former health ministers warning that weakening AME could lead to more severe and costly healthcare challenges.
Retailleau’s proposals underscore the tension between France’s need for a humane immigration policy and the political push for tighter controls, highlighting the complexity of balancing public health, fiscal responsibility, and national sovereignty.