Le Pen leads French polls with promise to expel unassimilated immigrants

Marine Le Pen is currently leading the polls in France’s upcoming presidential race, which is scheduled to take place in the spring. She has topped the surveys for the third time despite three previous failed bids for the presidency and an ongoing appeal of her embezzlement conviction.

The surge in support comes as protests across France intensify over a stagnating economy. These demonstrations have left 2,500 businesses damaged and 1,500 police officers injured. Le Pen attributed the unrest to economic difficulties and rioters from the extreme left.

In an interview with 60 Minutes, Le Pen proposed expelling immigrants who fail to assimilate into French society. She argued that France is the least racist country in the world and insisted that there is no discrimination within the nation.

Le Pen stated that taking in too many immigrants creates conditions that destabilize society. She noted that immigrants are more likely to be unemployed than French citizens, leading her to the conclusion that France can no longer import unemployed people.

When interviewer Trevor Phillips suggested that high unemployment among immigrants might stem from discrimination, Le Pen rejected the idea. She said, No, that doesn't exist, and added that France would not import such ideas from other countries.

Le Pen described the French view of immigration as requiring newcomers to blend into the national community. She contrasted this with a layered cake model where different communities keep their own customs. She said that if someone despises the culture or refuses to respect laws, the door is wide open for them to leave, potentially by force.

Phillips asked if Le Pen’s party is no longer viewed as extremist by the French people. Le Pen responded that French people have come to know her over time. She described the current moment as the end of a chapter and the end of a world built on unrestrained globalization.