Interview with Bruno Gollnisch - The most shunned man at the summit

A smiling doom-crier.

 Bruno Gollnisch i s very concerned 

about immigrants and in 

particular those coming to France

by Simona Ion Bădulescu

Do we need a common European migration policy?

I would say we need it only to some degree, but we definitely need a national migration policy. If we can agree on a European level to be able to limit in various ways the flows of immigrants in Europe and keep it very strict, then I would say ”Yes” to a Common European Immigration Policy.

If you could insert one point in the final document, what would it be?

My point in the final document would be to make sure immigrants are dealt with outside of Europe. And if we have to take a part of burden sharing, then it should apply only to people in the utmost need of help. There are too many cases of people taking advantage of Europe and the possibilities the immigrants think they can have when entering Europe. They see it as an easy way out. Therefore, the European politicians also have a big responsibility in creating  this image of Europe being “a land of milk and honey”, where everybody can just go if they’re having any problems because Europe fixes everything. That is definitely not the idea with Europe. This creates a huge burden for nation states and of course my home country, France. Note the recent events in Toulouse.

What is the greatest obstacle to a common migration policy?

The great flows of immigrants within Europe, if it’s not dealt in a proper way. My interest group, my colleagues and I, we are all very much aware of the problem, but we want to make sure to deal with the problem outside of Europe, before taking it up within. I also think the same with too many immigrants into Europe creates greats risks and a heavy financial burden upon European citizens and upon nation states.

What are the odds of a successful summit?

They all seemed very understanding and willing to cooperate in coming to an agreement. That is definitely our opportunity and the obligation at the Alliance of European Nationalists Movements: to ensure or to be the watchdogs of the national countries and of European culture as well.

Who has most at stake at the upcoming summit?

The situation in Southern Europe is very severe but I think all of us are facing a potential crisis due to these migration problems. Of course, Italy and Greece are suffering the most. However, these problems could come to Germany, France and so on, and that is the really scary part of it. France is also suffering, especially now if we have to take into account the incidents in Toulouse. If not dealt in the right way, this summit could be the spark which sets Europe ablaze.

What will be the consequences of failure at the upcoming summit?

The honest and hard-working people of Europe, the every-day man will suffer the most from immigration. They do not deserve to be overflowed with further influxes, particularly in the urban areas.

What is the most important goal of European cooperation?

Making sure that our already unstable economy stays intact, because we cannot afford a worse situation if this outcome of the Arab Spring causes economic burdens in the European countries. We are already facing deep economic problems and this situation will only make things worse. The jobs of hard working Europeans will be threatened by these huge numbers of immigrants wanting to become permanent residents.

What do you see as the EU’s greatest achievement?

In my opinion, EU’s greatest achievement would be only if this Common European Immigration Policy will take into account the large numbers of immigrants and if it contained different measurements that would put limits regarding the flows of immigrants.

Who is your favorite European?

My favourite European? Through history you mean? Well, I am from France, so Emperor Napolen, of course. He was a genius!

Where in Europe would you most like to have lunch (and why)?

Paris, because there is no better cuisine than the French, of course. I have a favourite café in France, near Seine and it’s absolutely beautiful. French food is delicious, I would definitely recommend that cafe. However, I would like to keep the name of the cafe a secret as I don’t want people not sharing my political orientation seeking me out there. I’ll keep that to myself.

Bruno Gollnisch:

President of the Alliance of European Nationalist Movements.

A leading member of France’s Front National he holds degrees in both political science and law.

He was also fined and given a suspende 3-months prison sentence in 2007 for denying the Holocaust, saying:

”I do not question the existence of concentration camps but historians could discuss the number of deaths. As to the existence of gas chambers, it is up to historians to speak their minds ("de se déterminer")”