France’s unease at national identity crisis

French President Nicolas Sarkozy has decided December 2009 to address his country’s identity worries with a public debate on what it means to be French. The debate will be held in town halls across the country, giving everyone a chance to have their say about national identity.

President Sarkozy said Switzerland's vote to ban new minarets showed why it was vital for France to hold an extended debate on national identity despite criticism that it has only fuelled racist views.

In February 2010 French Prime Minister François Fillon said an 'experts committee' would take over the debate on French national identity, bringing an end to months of public debate on the tricky and divisive issue.

France24, 8.2.10: PM hands 'national identity' debate over to committee http://www.france24.com/en/20100208-fillon-hands-off-public-debate-national-identity-experts-committee-burqa-immigration

France24, 8.12.09: Swiss minaret vote reveals concern over identity, says Sarkozy http://www.france24.com/en/20091208-sarkozy-france-swiss-minaret-vote-fears-loss-national-identity-debate-islam

France24, 8.12.09: The British press on Sarkozy's quest to define French national identity http://www.france24.com/en/20091208-british-press-sarkozy-quest-define-french-national-identity

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