>> The man hoping to be the next French President visiting the northern town of Calais on Wednesday. But saying he would not visit the infamous camp, home to up to 10,000 migrants. The conservative politician walked around the ferry port before heading to the town hall. Earlier this year, the French government sent in bulldozers to clear the camp's southern half.
No time frame has been set to dismantle the rest. Reuters correspondent Mattias is in Paris>> While at Calais, where he was to visit local residents, he said he didn't want to visit the jungle because she believes it shouldn't be there in the first place. Earlier this week he said all immigrants willing to stay in France should live like the French, and that is once you are French, your ancestors are the Gaulle's.
This is his way of spinning out his priority to proactive assimilation rather than to the current immigration system that he believes is not working. His main opponent to next year's presidential election has already criticized his comments, and called for the respect of diversity in France.>> In and around Calais, many believe Francois Holland's current socialist government isn't doing enough to address the problem.
A month ago, Sarkozy declared the UK should open an asylum center to deal with those camped in Calais. And on Monday the presidential hopeful said, all immigrants hoping to stay should live like the French. That once they've been granted citizenship, they must remember that their ancestors are the Gaulle's.
The former President's abrasive style alienated many voters during his first term. This time, security, immigration, and national identity at the top of his agenda. Sarkozy seems more determined than ever to woo voters away from the far right National Front, ahead of next year's election.