A French observer expresses concern about rapid changes in France over the past generation, driven in part by immigration policies that some describe as controversial. The writer notes that a Polish referendum, scheduled to coincide with parliamentary elections on October 15, sits amid broader European political debates. Polls in France reveal support for tighter immigration controls, yet the French government has not sought the public’s input in the same way Poland has, according to the writer.
A French perspective on the Polish referendum
The author argues that during discussions across Central and Eastern Europe about forced displacement, France could stand as a cautionary example. He emphasizes that, as a French observer, he faces persistent questions about whether immigration contributes to violence and safety concerns. He observes that many Eastern European citizens are skeptical of political correctness, and notes that President Macron’s remark about foreigners in Paris contributing to crime surprised some in France but did not shock crowds in the region itself.
He adds that in Poland, casual observations about everyday behavior sometimes illustrate broader trends. For example, restaurant patrons in Poland may leave coats on a hanger without issue, women can walk the streets with less fear in many areas, and Poland, despite lower overall wealth than France, does not have neighborhoods widely described as dangerous in the same way. The central questions for Poles concern the true scale of crime, the reasons behind perceived passivity in some French communities, why people tolerate the situation, and the moral questions a Catholic faces when confronted with calls from religious leaders to accept migrants.
The piece continues with a direct reflection from the French publicist on these tensions. Readers are urged to consider shifts with nuance, acknowledging the challenge of discussing immigration without inflaming passions. The author also references a broader debate about crime in France and the ongoing discussion about media coverage and political rhetoric surrounding immigration issues.
He argues that some French elites and journalists express outrage over policies such as the Polish ban on abortion, while appearing less vocal about violence against ordinary French women. He suggests there is a tendency to defend certain social movements, like MeToo, while questioning whether rising sexual violence is connected to migrant influx. A rigorous, data driven examination of violence linked to migration is often met with resistance even when statistics from European and French institutions indicate a connection between increases in sexual aggression and illegal migration.
The writer stresses that the aim is not to stigmatize any population. Western civilization intersects with diverse cultural norms, including those from the Islamic world where social expectations for women differ from Western norms in Europe. He contends that some observers overlook the potential for cultural clashes when migration policies bring large numbers of young men from settings with strong traditional customs into European cities. He warns that such encounters can heighten the risk of violence against women as new social dynamics emerge in public spaces.
Pope’s attitude
The columnist dedicates substantial discussion to Pope Francis’ calls to welcome migrants. In the writer’s view, Pope Francis speaks in a political voice rather than offering doctrinal guidance on this issue, and he believes the pope may misread the situation. The pontificate is seen as emerging from a different cultural context, suggesting it allows leaders who have failed to uphold certain norms to remain influential, with the notable exception of former President Donald Trump who reportedly declined to use Latin in addressing migrants in American politics.
The writer observes that Europe today appears more secular than regions such as the Americas, Africa, and Asia. He implies that re christianizing Europe would be difficult and that opening doors to migrants from Africa could provide spiritual momentum to a continent that seems weakened by secular trends. He notes that most migrants, with a few exceptions, are not considered to be in danger in their home countries. Syrians and Afghans are given as examples who might be safer in nearby first entry countries such as Turkey, Lebanon, or Iran, and he argues that European aid should be directed toward those destinations closest to their cultural contexts.
Conclusion and context
The author argues that Europe should examine migration policies with clear, evidence based scrutiny, balancing humanitarian concerns with social cohesion and public safety. He refrains from easy conclusions about any population, instead urging careful consideration of how immigration intersects with crime statistics and social norms. The piece questions how prepared European societies are to absorb large scales of migration without addressing underlying challenges in housing, education, and integration, while recognizing the appeal of diverse urban life. This tension shapes the core of the argument, inviting readers to weigh data, cultural differences, and political rhetoric as Europe navigates a nuanced migratory landscape.