France Plans Immigration Reforms After Student Murder

Following the murder of a 19-year-old student named Philippine, allegedly by a 22-year-old Moroccan man with a criminal history, France's new Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau announced plans to tighten immigration laws. The suspect, who had previously been convicted of rape and was under an expulsion order, was arrested in Switzerland after Philippine's body was discovered in a Paris park. Retailleau emphasized the need for a stronger legal framework to ensure public safety, stating, 'If we need to change the rules, let's change them.' The far-right National Rally party, led by Jordan Bardella, has seized on this incident to argue that the government is too lenient on immigration and crime. Political tensions in France are rising as the RN holds significant influence over the minority government, demanding action on immigration issues. Calls for effective enforcement of expulsion orders have also emerged from various political factions, highlighting concerns over the judicial system's efficacy in handling serious crimes committed by immigrants.