Wauquiez's remarks, made in an interview published on April 8, 2025, come at a time when the French political landscape is shifting rightward, with increasing adoption of far-right positions on immigration and security.

His proposal aligns with a broader trend in French politics where anti-'woke' sentiments and radical policies are becoming more mainstream.

While Wauquiez's proposal has faced backlash, it is intended to resonate with the Republican party's base, particularly in light of the popularity of rival candidate Bruno Retailleau, who has voiced similar concerns.

Olivier Faure, leader of the Socialist Party, ridiculed the idea, comparing it to creating a 'Guantánamo-sur-Mer' and labeling it 'indecent and foolish'.

As Wauquiez campaigns for the presidency of the Republicans party, he aims to apply pressure on dangerous individuals to leave France, highlighting a perceived disconnect between political elites and ordinary citizens.

The archipelago of Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon, which has a population of around 6,000, faces its own challenges, including high housing costs and a declining population, which complicates the proposal's feasibility.

Wauquiez cites Australia's offshore detention policy for undocumented migrants as an inspiration for his proposal, advocating for longer retention periods similar to those in Italy and the UK.

Laurent Wauquiez has stirred controversy by proposing that dangerous foreigners under an obligation to leave French territory (OQTF) be detained in a retention center located in Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon.

He argues that the harsh climate of Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon, which has an average temperature of 5°C and experiences 146 days of rain and snow each year, would compel individuals to reconsider their choices.

This proposal has drawn sharp criticism from various political figures, including Manuel Valls, the Minister of Overseas Territories, who stated that treating Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon like a prison is inappropriate for a Republic official.

Opponents accuse Wauquiez of reviving imperialistic practices by suggesting that overseas territories be converted into detention centers, reminiscent of historical penal colonies.

Critics have drawn parallels between Wauquiez's plan and previous calls for similar measures by other political figures, including a suggestion for a 'French Guantanamo' by Éric Ciotti.