In a heated debate aired on France 2 on May 23, French Prime Minister Gabriel Attal and Jordan Bardella, the leader of the far-right National Rally (RN) party, presented their differing visions for Europe’s future just weeks before the European elections. Bardella’s stance on immigration, advocating for the “systematic pushback” of migrants arriving by sea, was a focal point of their discussion.
For over an hour and a half, Bardella and Attal sparred on various issues, with immigration being a significant point of contention. Bardella outlined his plan for “systematic refoulement” of migrants arriving on European shores, emphasizing the need to secure the boats before sending them back to their countries of departure. He accused Frontex, the European border and coast guard agency, of acting more like a “hostess for migrants” than a policing force.
The concept of “systematic pushback” raises significant legal and humanitarian concerns. International law, specifically the principle of non-refoulement under Article 33 of the 1951 Refugee Convention, prohibits returning individuals to countries where they risk persecution or harm. Many migrants arriving from countries like Libya and Tunisia face severe threats, making such pushbacks potentially illegal.
Bardella’s proposal also lacks clarity on what “securing” migrant boats entails. In the vast and often dangerous Mediterranean Sea, ensuring the safety of overcrowded, often unseaworthy vessels is a complex challenge. International maritime law mandates the rescue of individuals in distress, regardless of their nationality or circumstances.
Moreover, Bardella criticized Frontex, claiming it facilitates migrant arrivals rather than protecting borders. Frontex’s role includes supporting member states in border control, surveillance, and occasionally rescuing migrants at sea. The agency has faced criticism for its involvement in pushback operations, particularly in the Aegean Sea. Investigations have revealed instances where Frontex recorded illegal pushbacks as mere “prevention operations,” leading to significant controversy.
The debate also touched on the European Union’s new Asylum and Migration Pact. This pact aims to distribute asylum seekers more equitably among EU member states, imposing fines on countries that refuse to accept relocated migrants. While the pact seeks to foster solidarity, it has also been criticized for its stringent measures, including the establishment of centers at EU borders where migrants are detained while their asylum claims are processed.
In summary, Bardella’s proposal for the systematic pushback of migrants presents significant legal, humanitarian, and practical challenges. It conflicts with international refugee law and raises serious questions about the treatment and safety of migrants at sea. Frontex’s role and the complexities of the EU’s migration policies further complicate the issue, highlighting the need for a balanced and lawful approach to managing migration in Europe.