Europe in turmoil
From Angleterre to Pologne, by way of Espagne, citizens are taking to the streets. They are protesting against the laxity of states in the face of delinquency and assaults. These demonstrations follow acts perpetrated by some of the migrants.
“Citizen patrols” track these individuals at the border between Pologne and Allemagne. Since late June, militias backed by conservative parties have been inspecting cars.
In Dublin, young Irish people, faced with a lack of housing, blame the increase in migrants and accommodation. Similarly, in Birmingham, the English are exasperated by the rise in crime, sometimes attributable to newcomers. In Espagne, in Torre Pacheco, demonstrations followed the assault of an elderly man by minors of North African origin.
Yet, European citizens are confronted daily with an insecurity that is no chimera, often marked by tragic news items.
Citizens are protesting because states do not take into account the scale of the problems caused by the arrival of people who struggle to integrate. The media downplay this problem, pointing to misinformation that allegedly fuels tensions.
Scandals and associations
In France, the financial scandal surrounding the salary of the former director of Equalis erupts. This association, which helps 14,000 homeless people, migrants, and unaccompanied minors, shows a deficit of one million euros. The crossing business, meanwhile, is flourishing, costing between €1,500 and €4,000.
Another association, SOS Méditerranée, receives significant subsidies from Marseille and Paris. It continues to rescue illegal immigrants off the African coast. These associations land illegal immigrants on our soil, against the will of the French who are overwhelmingly opposed to uncontrolled immigration.
Integration, a challenge
The deplorable repercussions in other European countries and the civil danger this represents are noted. The “Reconquête” movement has launched a petition to demand the dissolution of SOS Méditerranée.
Admittedly, France needs immigration to meet certain economic needs. Italians, Poles, Spaniards, or Portuguese came to work in France and integrated very well. Integration means accepting to modify one's behavior and adapt it to the host country, without denying one's culture.
Bernard Bertucco Van Damme