Saturday, November 21, 2009 Previous editions
Tuesday, November 03, 2009
FRANCE is to stage a national debate aimed a solving an identity crisis from which it fears the country is suffering.
Ordered by the government, the bout of national soul-searching will bring together students, parents, teachers, unions, religious leaders and others in France and in overseas territories.
Participants are to mull over such questions as whether youths should be required to sing the national anthem at least once a year, how to integrate newcomers from former French colonies, and whether Muslim women should be allowed to wear veils.
Left-wingers say the debate smacks of xenophobia, because it comes amid a drive by President Nicolas Sarkozy’s conservative government to ban the full-body Islamic veil and implement a tougher approach to immigration.
Critics fear such a debate will provide a forum for inflammatory rhetoric against foreigners. Others claim it was designed to prevent advances by far-right parties in regional elections to be held next spring.
It was not clear how many people would take part, where the debates would take place, or how participants would be chosen. The debate is to last through January 31, closing with a conference February 4. It is to be carried on an internet site that will allow users direct participation.
"Actions to reinforce our national identity and reaffirm our values and the pride of being French" are expected to "emerge" from the discussions, the Immigration Ministry said.
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