Workers Solidarity Movement

Hundreds of Roma have been deported today by the French government as part of their attacks on Roma camps. To date, over 8,000 Roma have been deported from France since the start of the year, out of a population of 15,000 in the county. There are between 10-12 million Roma in Europe.

Most of the Roma come from Romania and Bulgaria, which is where the majority are being flown to. The French Government claims this relocation is “voluntary”, as each Roma adult is paid € 300 and each minor is paid €100 to leave.  As EU citizens of countries under the Schengen Agreement, the Roma have no movement restrictions of movement within the EU, however in France there is a stipulation that if they have not found work within 3 months they must leave.
Currently the Romanian and French Governments are having talks over the move, with two junior Romanian ministers meeting both the Interior Minister, Brice Hortefeux and the Immigration Minister Eric Besson. The Interior Minister has claimed that “delinquency” by Roma has increased by 138%.
The expulsions have gained criticism from the UN anti-racism panel, Church leaders and left-wing organisations.
WORDS: JW