Xavier Bertrand: Overseas France Needs Authority and Security

Xavier Bertrand, the leader of France's Rassemblement National (RN) party, visited the French overseas department of Mayotte as part of his campaign for the European elections. During his visit, Bertrand announced that the RN's representative on the island, Saidali Boina Hamissi, would be joining the party's list of candidates for the upcoming elections.

However, Hamissi's candidacy was short-lived. He was removed from the RN's list after his "racist and conspiratorial" comments were revealed, including referring to Comorian residents as "vermin" and "cockroaches". The French government strongly criticized Hamissi's remarks, calling them "sexist, racist, and an admiration of the Russian president".

RN vice-president Sébastien Chenu acknowledged that the language used by their candidate was "a bit crude", but suggested it was a response to the situation in Mayotte. The French government had recently launched an operation against gang crime, illegal immigration, and illegal housing on the island.

Why this matters: Bertrand's visit and the controversy surrounding Hamissi's comments emphasize the ongoing challenges faced by France's overseas territories. The situation in Mayotte highlights the need for effective measures to address issues of crime, immigration, and housing while upholding the principles of equality and non-discrimination.

In response to the government's criticism, Chenu defended the RN's stance, stating, "The language may have been a bit crude, but it reflects the reality on the ground in Mayotte. The government's operation is a step in the right direction, but more needs to be done to restore authority and security for the people of Mayotte."

Key Takeaways

• RN leader Bertrand visited Mayotte, announced RN candidate Hamissi.
• Hamissi's candidacy was removed due to "racist and conspiratorial" comments.
• Hamissi referred to Comorian residents as "vermin" and "cockroaches".
• RN defended Hamissi's "crude" language as reflecting Mayotte's reality.
• Situation in Mayotte highlights challenges of crime, immigration, and housing.