Sarkozy proposes tough measures to fight crime, delinquency and illegal immigration

Addressing a political meeting in France’s southeastern city of Grenoble, Sarkozy partly blamed immigration for a breakdown in society. Incidentally, Grenoble was the scene of riots two weeks ago. The riots were sparked by the death of a man of Arab origin who was escaping from police.

“We are suffering from 50 years of lax immigration regulation which has led to a failure of integration,” Sarkozy said during his speech. “French nationality should be stripped from anybody who has threatened the life of a police officer or anybody involved in public policing.

Sarkozy has proposed a number of measures which include prison sentences of up to 30 years for killing police and convicted criminals wearing electronic tags after release.

Sarkozy has promised to “wage war” on urban violence following the riots, a move critics say is partly aimed at winning back right-wing voters.

Sarkozy’s government already faces criticism for pushing through a ban on wearing a full veil in public.