French govt sparks controversy with proposal to revoke birthright citizenship

In a move that is set to escalate tensions in France, Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin announced a controversial plan on Sunday to amend the Constitution and revoke birthright citizenship on the French Indian Ocean island of Mayotte.

This decision follows weeks of protests, strikes, and roadblocks on the island, which is grappling with social unrest and a migration crisis.

Mayotte, the country’s poorest department, has become a focal point of discontent, with residents expressing concerns about rising crime, poverty, and a continuous influx of migrants from the Comoros Islands seeking better living standards.

The proposed constitutional amendment, described by Darmanin as a “radical measure,” aims to limit French citizenship eligibility to those born to French parents, intending to reduce the attractiveness of the archipelago for prospective migrants.

The island, composed of two territories that chose to remain part of France in 1973, has faced ongoing challenges due to the significant number of Comorans migrating in search of a better life.

The reform proposal has sparked mixed reactions among Mayotte’s population, with some welcoming the announcement, hopeful for positive change, while others remain skeptical, emphasizing the need for concrete actions.

Mayotte, officially recognized as a French department in 2011, is home to around 310,000 people, but officials argue that this figure is significantly underestimated. The island’s unique status has led to restrictions on residence permits, which are only valid within Mayotte and cannot be used for travel to mainland France. Protesters have demanded the abolition of this system, and Darmanin stated that it would be addressed as part of the proposed reform.

The controversial move comes on the heels of a tough new law on immigration recently adopted in France, further polarizing the political landscape. The left, denouncing the plan as an assault on France’s historical values, vows to oppose the constitutional revision. Experts question the necessity of such a reform, citing previous restrictions on birthright citizenship in 2018 and debating its impact on migration flows.

As Mayotte finds itself at the center of a national debate, the proposal adds fuel to the fire in a country already grappling with contentious immigration policies and a divided political class.

The potential consequences of this constitutional amendment, especially in the context of upcoming elections, raise concerns among various political figures, with some warning of the end of birthright citizenship if the provision is enacted.