VILLEPIN/SARKOZY

"France is adopting a tougher immigration policy by introducing a quota system for immigrants with professional skills and accelerating the expulsion of illegal entrants.

The move, announced by the government yesterday, is partly in response to the voters' "revolt" in the referendum of May 29 in which they rejected the European Union's constitutional treaty. Illegal immigration and unemployment were two of the main causes of voter discontent, fanned by far-right political parties.

Dominique de Villepin, prime minister, said the new policy would be aligned more closely to the demands of the French economy. It would also help relieve some of the pressure on the job market, helping reduce an unemployment rate that stands at 10.2 per cent.

There are no quotas by ethnic origin or nationality. That is not in the spirit of our country. We are faithful to a humanist tradition," he said. "France has the right and the duty to control its immigration policy with criteria adapted to its needs and its principles," a government statement said."

(Financial Times - 11.6)


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