President Nicolas Sarkozy threatened Sunday to pull France out of the European Union's coveted visa-free Schengen zone unless the bloc makes progress on protecting EU borders from illegal immigration.
Sarkozy's pledge on the hot-button theme of immigration came in a wide-ranging speech to thousands of supporters at a boisterous campaign rally, as polls show he faces a tough battle for re-election in April and May.
Unchecked immigration would thwart Europe's ability to take in and integrate new entrants, putting strains on social safety nets for the most disadvantaged across the continent, Sarkozy said to chants of "We're going to win!" against a sea of blue, white and red French flags.
"It's urgent because we cannot accept being subjected to the shortcomings of Europe's external borders," Sarkozy said, calling reform the "only way to avoid the implosion of Europe."
http://www.castanet.net/news/World/72286/French-President-threatens-EU
Monday, 12 March 2012
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