Top French official on Rroma people expulsion: The problem is the Romanian government

A top French official believes the real issue in a scandal sparked by the expulsion of Rroma people from France is the Romanian government and the way it supports the integration of Rroma people sent back to their country of origin. French state secretary for European affairs Pierre Lellouche told France Info on Wednesday that Rroma people coming from Romania were abandoned by Bucharest authorities.

According to Lellouche, it was needed that the Romanian government consider the situation as a national minority and do more in this regard. He said many of Romania-based association were agreeing with his stand.

Pierre Lellouche argued in favor of a biometric data base to prevent a person receiving support for voluntary repatriation return to ask for the same form of support. He also pleaded in favor of developing forms of support for integration – money for families who have an integration project such as an animal farm or the opening of a shop.

The statement comes after French authorities expelled over 200 Gypsy people to Romania within several days. Two Romanian state secretaries are now in Paris following the launch of the French operation to expel Rroma people.