Democracy

Le Pen Gains Ground Over (And Among) Arabs

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Polls suggest that far-right candidate Jean-Marie Le Pen could do even better in the first round of presidential voting this Sunday than in the 2002 election, when he came in second. Le Pen’s views that North African immigrants cause crime and should be deported even resonate with French Muslims, who say he represents “wholesome values” and will deal with extremists, the BBC reports. In Marseille, children of North African immigrants don’t know who to vote for but agree with Le Pen that immigration has caused mass unemployment that could cost them their jobs. Sources:
“In Marseille, North Africans want brakes on immigration”
Agence France-Presse, April 16, 2007
http://www.middle-east-online.com/english/?id=20390
“Le Pen urges halt to immigration”
BBC (U.K.), April 17, 2007
http://www.tehrantimes.com/Description.asp?Da=4/17/2007&Cat=2&Num=002