France explores new ways to boost national identity

Paris: France's government yesterday began to study ways to bolster the nation's identity, culled from three months of sometimes noisy and occasionally racist debate on what it means to be French in an increasingly globalised world.

Immigration Minister Eric Besson, who initiated the debate, submitted proposals based on the 350 local meetings held around France since early November.

It was not clear whether any firm steps would be taken after the government meeting. Besson said on Friday that several concrete measures on better integrating immigrants can be expected, and that his proposed initiatives also concern fighting discrimination and building a European identity.

French newspapers reported that among the proposals being discussed Monday are a special oath for new French citizens and a ‘young citizen's card' for schoolchildren.

The national identity debates often focused on France's growing immigrant population, and racist comments occasionally popped up on the interactive Immigration Ministry website dedicated to the debate, though were quickly removed.

The debate has divided public opinion in France, with some critics claiming it was a ploy by the governing conservative party for more extreme right votes before March regional elections.

Numerous intellectuals have opposed it and, minus a few exceptions, the rival Socialist party refused to participate.

The meetings in towns and cities around France coincided with a debate on whether to ban the face-covering veil.

Prime Minister Francois Fillon has said the national discussion on France's identity was "perfectly necessary" and now wants the full government to weigh in on the results.