In southern France, where Tunisian doctor Tasnime Labiedh works, the far-right National Rally (RN) led the first election round with 41%.
This outcome has Labiedh contemplating a move to Switzerland for a better future.
Labiedh fears a grim future if RN’s Jordan Bardella becomes prime minister, stating, “They play on the fear of the other.”
Labiedh, who moved to France in 2021 during the COVID-19 pandemic, now works as a microbiologist earning less than her French peers.
The RN’s success in the recent election has prompted many foreign-origin doctors to reconsider their stay in France, feeling unappreciated.
Polls suggest RN might win the most parliamentary seats, causing further concern among these professionals.
Among 11 North African doctors interviewed, six are contemplating leaving France due to the political climate.
France faces a severe doctor shortage, with 3.17 doctors per 1,000 people, worsening in towns like Labiedh’s with 1.73 doctors per 1,000.
Sociologist Hicham Benaissa points out the hypocrisy: “The far-right prospers on the immigration issue, yet our system relies on migrants.”
His study shows 75% of North African doctors in France are considering emigrating, reflecting widespread dissatisfaction.
