Yesterday, I conducted a conversation with my cousin who emigrated to France, and this is a summary of what she said:
I migrated to France in 2004. At that time, conditions had already begun to deteriorate, and problems were accumulating, particularly for Algerian immigrants. I moved between several positions, but I was never promoted. In the eyes of my manager and colleagues, I am Algerian—meaning a foreigner—and they give priority in promotions to native French citizens.
There is a lack of security day and night. If you take the bus, you cannot be certain that you will get off safely, as some gangs spread fear among citizens. The high cost of living is also evident, and we are witnessing a growing trend toward poverty and financial vulnerability. For example, energy bills are extremely high, and individuals may struggle to pay them. Even if they manage to do so, they may find themselves at the end of the month without enough money for food or to cover various taxes.
Young people who have obtained higher education and advanced training can establish projects that ensure profitability, but this remains dependent on individual creativity, perseverance, and the ability to secure funding. Overall, however, France today is facing an economic and social predicament.
I do not think that next year’s presidential elections will bring Jordan Bardella to power. He is a young man who has not held major executive responsibilities, even though he holds a seat in the European Parliament and leads the National Rally party; this, in my view, does not qualify him for the presidency. As for the former French Interior Minister, Bruno Retailleau, who has launched his presidential campaign, if the French right presents another competing candidate, he may not reach the Élysée Palace.
Regardless of the position of La France Insoumise, I believe that most Algerian immigrants will vote for Jean-Luc Mélenchon, as they see him as their last refuge.
In short, the left is losing and the right is rising. Those Muslim immigrants who respect French secularism and the laws of the Republic cannot easily be undermined ; however, this does not mean that they will not face discrimination.
