I could not wait to get back to Scotland after seeing French politics

Choosing a Lebanese restaurant near La Prom, as the locals affectionately call it, we settled on the terrace, joining a mix of people from various origins and ages, all indulging in a bit of shawarma and fries for lunch.

From where we were sitting, the view of the Mediterranean Sea was breathtaking. La Prom was buzzing with life – joggers, dog walkers, families enjoying ice cream, and even a few brave souls enjoying a swim. It was a delightful afternoon.

As we left the restaurant and made our way back to my in-laws’ house to gather our suitcases before heading to the airport, political posters, with their bold letters demanding attention, ruined the afternoon.

READ MORE: Alyn Smith: Don’t let Labour go back to taking Scotland for granted

“Are you sick and tired about uncontrolled immigration?”, they seemed to be bellowing.

My initial exasperation transformed into disbelief, as I initially assumed it to be the work of the far-right, given the extreme nature of the message. The colours, language, and imagery all pointed in that direction. Yet, reality struck harder – this wasn’t a fringe message; it was proudly displayed by the local branch of the main conservative party in France, Les Républicains.

In that moment, the first thought that crossed my mind was: “I can’t wait to leave this place and be back home in Scotland.”

My perspective might come off as peculiar to Scottish readers, and I bet it’s not often you encounter folks particularly enthused about politics – I certainly don’t. Rarely does anyone glance at Scottish politics and exclaim, “Oh, this is just excellent! I’m so happy I’m here.”

Candidly, living here full-time, I get it. Most days, I am a tad disillusioned myself, a bit over it, and my patience for politics wears thin. Scottish politics isn’t exactly mind-blowing. Perhaps that is just the way it is meant to be – a perpetual yearning for more, for something better.

However, in recent weeks, I have found myself appreciating Scottish politics in a way I haven’t in quite a while. Amidst the current political frenzy in France, with an unprecedented hysteria surrounding immigration, Scotland feels almost like a political retreat. It is a strange realisation – despite my occasional scunnery with Scottish politics, it starkly contrasts with the tumult unravelling across the Channel.

In a dazzling display of holiday cheer, just before Christmas, the French government decided to spice up the holidays with a generous serving of political drama in the form of a brand-new immigration law.

READ MORE: MP calls for monarchy debate at Westminster after 'game-changing' poll

It was almost as if the government had made it their festive mission to gift French families a lively conversation starter for their Christmas dinners. Because what better way to spread joy and unity during the holiday season than making sure everyone has something truly controversial to passionately discuss between the cheese platter and dessert?

Initially pitched as a balanced move to address the regularisation of undocumented workers and tackle criminal elements among foreign nationals, the proposed law took a nosedive into a realm far from its centrist origins.

What was meant to be a careful equilibrium quickly tilted towards the right, teetering dangerously close to the extreme right. The law ended up chipping away at the fundamental rights of foreigners living in France, creating an atmosphere of widespread suspicion.

This surprising shift in policy seems like a blast from the past, echoing ideas championed by far-right leader Jean-Marie Le Pen since the 1980s and repackaged with a nice smile and more respectable language by his daughter, Marine Le Pen (below).

The law now includes elements like nationality deprivation, national preference, restrictions on family reunification, and a spectacular reduction in birthright citizenship.

While Marine Le Pen predictably hailed this law as an ideological victory, a quarter of Emmanuel Macron’s party members either abstained or voted against it. The reason behind this unusual split within the presidential camp? Macron – who promised a modern, liberal approach – had one job; literally: stand against the far-right.

It was the reason he won in the first place – to prevent their triumph in the presidential elections of 2017 and 2022. But he has cynically become a stepping stone for their ascent, by delivering what can only be described as a political compromise of the worst kind.

Now that is a hell of a political plot twist.

READ MORE: Humza Yousaf says SNP have not asked Brian Souter for donation

This is why I was yearning for a break from the hair-tearing madness.

The pervasive narrative, depicting Africans, Arabs, and Islam as potential invaders, job stealers, and sources of insecurity, left me exhausted and desperately seeking an alternative perspective.

So, what did I do? I took refuge in a place that is probably not everyone’s idea of a chill-out zone: the Scottish Parliament’s YouTube channel.

Now, writing this, I realise how tragic that is. Maybe it is time for me to consider the classics of normal relaxation – a spa day, a nice cup of chamomile tea, or heck, even picking up a few new hobbies.

But no, I decided to unwind with a debate titled Building a New Scotland: Migration after Independence, which took place on November 14, 2023. That was the political oasis I so needed – a haven where the discourse didn’t demonise immigration.

Astonishingly, even the Scottish Tories were on board! Everyone acknowledged the positive contributions immigration makes to the economy, public services, and communities.

There was no argument for severe restrictions of immigration in Scotland. In fact, when the Tories criticised the Scottish Government for holding a debate on the post-independence immigration system (given Scotland’s current non-independent status and the non-devolved nature of immigration at present), the underlying agreement was on making Scotland more attractive to immigrants.

When I relay this to my French friends, I can practically see their eyes widen and pupils dilate, as if I were describing some enchanting wonderland. The script is always the same: they express how suffocating the atmosphere has become in France, particularly for those, like me, with immigrant parents from West or North Africa.

READ MORE: David Cameron pushed on 'genocidal' comments from Israeli ambassador

Then comes the inevitable question – is it the same in Scotland? My response: not quite. I feel remarkably shielded from this folly here, but we do have a UK Government passing its share of cruel immigration laws, so I am right there with you.

If Scotland has taught me anything, it is that there is another way to approach the immigration debate – one not rooted in hatred but firmly anchored in the reality of what the country needs, what works for its people, and how to make the process more humane.

It goes beyond rhetoric, addressing the tangible issues surrounding immigration – the prolonged wait for status determination, vulnerability to poverty and trafficking, the restrictions on asylum seekers working, and more.

This unique perspective, the ability to discuss immigration with a focus on solutions rather than animosity, is something I have experienced in Scotland but sorely miss in France. It has shaped not just my understanding of Scottish politics but has also influenced the kind of French citizen I am.

For that, I am genuinely grateful. Despite the occasional frustration and concern about the political landscape in Scotland, the positive influence on shaping a more compassionate and pragmatic approach to immigration is something I will continue to hold dear.

If Scotland is ever to achieve independence, it is crucial that it sticks to these principles. If Scotland lets go of them, then what? Are we to have another Western country with leaders exploiting fear and racism? No, thanks!

Independence should be about creating a unique identity that rejects division and embraces a more inclusive and humane future. That would be a nation where I would truly feel at home.