Minister apologise over benefits

EUROPEAN affairs minister Laurent Wauquiez has been forced to apologise after suggesting that foreigners should have to work for five years in France before claiming any social security benefits.

Saying it was “not normal” to allow foreigners “very easy” access to benefits, he went on to spark controversy in his own UMP party as he suggested people who got the benefit revenu de Solidarité active (RSA) should do five hours’ voluntary work a week, with all benefits capped at 75% of the Smic, minimum wage.

He was swiftly rebuked, in turn, by prime minister François Fillon who suggested he watch not to “shoot himself in the foot” while President Sarkozy said his “absolute priority” was to “unite society” and not to cause divisions.

Mr Wauquiez said that he believed he was only saying what millions of French people thought themselves but finally apologised for the way his remarks had been interpreted. He said he would keep quiet, but only until the next party convention.