"
France invites you to become a part of its history
": Emmanuel Macron solemnly handed over, Friday March 12 in Saint-Gaudéric (Aude), their decree of naturalization to five legionaries to highlight this exceptional form of integration offered to hired foreigners from this elite unit.
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"
I am happy to have rediscovered the principles and methods which allow the Legion to integrate with unequaled efficiency such a diversity of men and cultures
", he declared, presenting their title to a Pole, a Brazilian, a Romanian, a Nepalese and an Algerian.
“
You speak French, you respect French laws.
France invites you to become part of its history because you have chosen its values, in return it chooses you
”.
"
Nothing is obtained if nothing is sacrificed
", he insisted.
Handpicked, men aged 17 to 39 come from all over the world to join the 9,500 men of this combat unit.
After several years or in the name of "
bloodshed
" in combat, the "
white kepis
" can apply to become French.
In this old farm in the middle of the countryside, the Head of State had lunch at their table, visited their monastic rooms, attended a French course (many are not French speakers when they arrive) and a rescue exercise for a theatrically injured person. simulated.
The fourth foreign regiment of the Legion has three farms around Castelnaudary where the initial four-month training of the enlisted is given.
A training renowned worldwide for its high standards, including a 80-kilometer march, which allows them to join the Legion.
About 1600 are integrated each year.
On September 4, Emmanuel Macron had already delivered their naturalization decree to five civilians after a speech in the Pantheon on the values of the Republic.
Each year around 200 legionaries are naturalized.
"
It is a manifestation of equal opportunities, a strong capacity for integration through effort with the application of not hard but demanding rules, freely accepted by those who engage
", underlines the presidency.
There are two ways for a foreign legionnaire to become French: by being wounded in combat, which has affected around twenty men since 1999, or after three to five years of service.
For the Élysée, this visit is part of the “
equal opportunities
”
agenda
that the Head of State wants to promote for the end of his five-year term.
A subject that is struggling to break through in public opinion, in the face of concerns about the rebound of the epidemic.
