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Minister launches debate on what it means to be French

The Minister for Immigration and National Identity, Eric Besson, this week launched a public debate on "what it means to be French".  From 2 November until 31 January, people all over the world are invited to share their views on such issues as obligatory citizenship classes, the singing of La Marseillaise, the wearing of muslim headscarves, and all other things that might or might not constitute “being French".  Opposition parties have criticised the initiative as a political exercise designed to boost support for the right, ahead of regional elections in March.

The consultation will be carried out via public meetings throughout mainland France and its overseas territories, as well as on an online forum.  Besson says the debate will "allow us to attempt to redefine what we keep of our past".

His opponents have reacted angrily to the move. Socialist Party spokesman Benoît Hamon claimed that Besson's UMP party was using the initiative to bolster its support with far-right voters.  Meanwhile, the vice-president of anti-immigration party the National Front, Marine Le Pen, complained that the consultation was purely for show and would fail to address "the real identity crisis gripping our country".  Even within Besson's party, criticism has come from Foreign Affairs Minister Bernard Kouchner, who says that France needs to focus more attention on its future within Europe.

The public, however, appears to back the debate. According to a survey published in Le Parisien, 60 per cent are in favour of the debate, while just 35 per cent oppose it.

In our editorial view, the essence of being French is perfectly contained in three brilliantly chosen words - Liberté, Egalité, Fraternité – the succinct motto that sums up the very best in French culture, permeating social and political attitudes and the whole French way of life.  There is no country in the world that expresses the aspirations of its people in a better way.