Agrandissement : Illustration 1
Article source: “François Bayrou à Mayotte : un plan de reconstruction en deux ans et une remise en cause du droit du sol”, Théo Bourrieau, l’Humanité, 30/12/2024.
French prime minister François Bayrou arrived on the African archipelago of Mayotte today. It has been more than two weeks since Cyclone Chido devastated the French overseas territory, and the Mahorans had been awaiting Bayrou’s visit. Several members of Bayrou’s government joined the delegation: the overseas territories minister Manuel Valls, education minister Élisabeth Borne, housing minister Valérie Létard, health minister Yannick Neuder, and the minister for the French-speaking world and international partnerships, Thani Mohamed Soilihi.
“The Mahorans often feel that they are being given empty promises and fine words of solidarity in public statements,” Bayrou said in a press conference, “but what they want is concrete action. [...] We have had a day of discussions, and we will announce a plan this evening called ‘Mayotte debout’” [‘Mayotte Reborn’], a plan which will allow the government to “provide a rapid response”.
Second-Class Citizens
“There will be a second phase in a few months,” he went on, “it is a long-term plan. Because it is not just about rebuilding Mayotte as it was. It is about planning its future, a different future.” Since no tangible measures have been outlined, the feeling that locals are being treated like second-class citizens will probably not be allayed.
Immigration Controversy
“It would be irresponsible for anyone to claim that there is no serious immigration issue in Mayotte,” Bayrou asserted, adding that “our duty is to tackle the issue and try to find solutions. This will be possible (...) by introducing targeted legislation tackling specific subjects.” He also brought up the vexed question of birthright citizenship in Mayotte, stating that it is “an issue that needs to be addressed”. A bill to amend the French constitution, abolishing this right in Mayotte, had been scheduled for discussion in cabinet last July, before the dissolution of the National Assembly.
Bayrou’s latest statements are in line with the opinions expressed on X (formerly Twitter) by right wing interior minister Bruno Retailleau. A few days after the cyclone hit Mayotte, Retailleau was promising to “tackle the migration issue with great determination. Mayotte is highly symbolic of the lax attitude of previous governments who have turned a blind eye to this question. We need legislation so that France can get immigration under control in Mayotte and throughout its territories. That is what the people want, and it should be a national priority.”
Translated by Edgar Renaud, Kathel Bourhis and Maxime Carpentier.
Editing by Sam Trainor.