The rise of 'remigration' in Europe is a chilling echo of history, threatening to repeat the darkest chapters of the past. But here's where it gets controversial: it's gaining traction, and not just among fringe groups.
In a recent meeting with Tommy Robinson, French politician Éric Zemmour made a stark statement: 'Politics needs to defeat demographics.' He fears the growing Muslim population in Europe, believing it's a threat to the continent's identity. Zemmour and Robinson see 'remigration' as the solution, a policy of mass deportations to reduce minority populations, particularly Muslims.
This idea isn't new, but its resurgence is alarming. In France's 2022 election, Zemmour proposed a 'ministry of remigration' to deport one million people, targeting undocumented immigrants and dual-national criminals. However, supporters often blur the lines between criminals and non-criminals, long-standing citizens, and recent migrants.
The far-right's electoral success across Europe has emboldened these ideas. Parties like Giorgia Meloni's Brothers of Italy and Marine Le Pen's National Rally have been accused of softening their stance by more extreme factions. In response, these extreme groups are pushing for more drastic measures, like remigration, to appeal to their base.
And this is the part most people miss: the call for remigration is spreading. In Germany, the Alternative für Deutschland (AfD) party, currently leading national polls, embraced the idea ahead of last year's election. Despite legal challenges, AfD politicians maintain ties with pro-remigration figures. In Italy, Matteo Salvini's League became the first EU governing party to endorse remigration.
Italy, the birthplace of fascism, illustrates how these ideas can gain momentum. After protests over a 'remigration summit' near Milan, the concept reached parliament. Neo-fascist groups, with the support of League MPs, attempted to launch a petition to force a parliamentary debate. While left-wing MPs blocked the event, the idea persists.
The right-wing is divided on this issue. While Giorgia Meloni's party has warned against 'ethnic substitution,' they are unlikely to support a referendum, preferring to maintain political control. Salvini's League, trailing in polls, uses remigration to appeal to its activist base, positioning itself as more hardline than the prime minister.
Former general Roberto Vannacci, a vocal supporter of remigration, has gained attention with his book 'The World Upside Down.' He has since founded his own party, Futuro Nazionale, focusing on remigration. Despite internal disputes, Vannacci's party has attracted two League MPs, indicating a potential shift in right-wing politics.
Meloni, now prime minister, has used coded language on immigration. While centrists praise her for a more moderate approach, her government has increased guestworker visas and removals of undocumented immigrants. A new bill proposes naval blockades and expanded expulsion criteria, echoing the far-right's agenda.
Across Europe, right-wing parties are making migrants' status more precarious. Laws stripping criminals of citizenship and limiting benefits for migrants' children have been enacted. In the UK, calls to scrap indefinite leave threaten migrant security, mirroring the 'Danish model' of temporary refugee status.
European politics is moving away from integration, and advocates of remigration feel empowered. This shift raises a crucial question: is Europe heading towards a dangerous rejection of its diverse population, and what does this mean for the future of democracy and human rights on the continent?
