The French economy without immigrants for a day
The idea is not new, but it is original. On 1 May 2006, a vast movement of economic boycott was launched by the Hispanic population in the United States. The principle is simple: do not go to work, do not go to school, buy nothing and sell nothing. During 24 hours.
The goal? Demonstrate the role of immigration in the course of economic life. Result: factories temporarily forced to halt production and on the same day, nearly two million immigrants protesting in the streets of Los Angeles.
It is this "day without immigrants" Nadia Lamarkbi wants to reproduce in France. The idea came to him after the controversy over the remarks of Interior Minister Brice Hortefeux at summer schools of the UMP."It was the click" confirms that the Franco-Moroccan journalist of 35 years, "long" had "the desire to act against contempt" vis-?-vis immigrants.
A boycott is open to all
Soon a group was created to promote this idea. A website and blog are set up. And mayonnaise takes. The Facebook page "day without immigrants" already has nearly 5,000 members and 10 local committees were created.
The "24 hours without immigrants" will be held on 1 March 2010. A symbolic date because it marks the fifth anniversary of the entry into force of the Code of Entry and Stay of Aliens and Asylum (CESEDA), which established an immigration "chosen" on economic criteria.
"We want to draw people's attention and ensure that the look that focuses on immigrants in France changed. Today, the word "immigrant" has become almost an insult.This is not normal, "said Nadir Dendoune, spokesman for the group.
If the motion is primarily intended "to immigrants and their descendants," all non-immigrant solidarity and recognize the contribution of immigration to the growth of our country can also participate in the boycott. Blacks, whites, beurs, left, right … it must be a national cause. We even sent an invitation to Nicolas Sarkozy. As the son of an immigrant, he should be concerned, "quipped the reporter.
Getting support
In the charter, published on its website, the group responsible wanted to "ensure independent action and by refusing to protect against any attempt at recovery. But its members know that supporting policies and associations is "necessary to make the initiative work," admits Nadir Dendoune."We've already been contacted repeatedly by politicians and unions. We will negotiate with them. While maintaining our independence. "
The socialist deputy of Seine-Saint-Denis, Daniel Goldberg, has already supported the project: he regrets that French second or third generation "are still seen as foreigners."
And the Education Without Borders Network (RESF) could also meet this. Its president, Richard Moyon, also welcomed "the recent expansion of the range of actions on the issue of immigration." A reaction, he said, "xenophobic policy pursued by the government."
Asked about the initiative at Talk Orange-Le Figaro, Eric Besson said, "Do not create scarecrows that do not exist. And the Immigration Minister added: "It's not just invent a stigma."
