Bruno Retailleau has been appointed as France's new Minister of the Interior, succeeding Gérald Darmanin, and he is a staunch advocate for strict immigration and security policies.

Retailleau's agenda includes reforming state medical assistance for undocumented migrants while pushing for stricter immigration laws.

His appointment comes in the wake of public outrage following the murder of a 19-year-old student named Philippine, which he aims to leverage as a catalyst for policy change.

The murder, committed by a Moroccan man who was under a deportation order, has intensified discussions around public safety and immigration enforcement.

Retailleau has expressed his support for the 'double penalty' policy, which mandates automatic expulsion after serving a prison sentence.

However, his confrontational approach has raised concerns among centrist lawmakers and NGOs, who fear it may exacerbate societal divisions and echo far-right rhetoric.

In response to the murder, several hundred people gathered to honor Philippine, reflecting the public's grief and anger over the incident.

President Emmanuel Macron condemned the murder as a 'heinous and atrocious crime' and emphasized the need for improved protection for citizens.

Feminist organizations are urging that the crime be contextualized within the framework of misogyny rather than solely through the lens of immigration issues.

Concerns about safety have been voiced by various groups, with some stating that the current environment feels increasingly threatening, particularly for women.

Retailleau's proposals have sparked a broader debate about the rule of law in France, with some political leaders advocating for a more principled understanding of legal frameworks.

The political climate is shifting, with calls for stricter immigration policies gaining momentum following recent elections where far-right parties performed strongly.