Paris - Why do French citizens feel close to other French citizens without knowing them? Because of their language, their cuisine, their love of red wine?That and some 200 other questions have been published by the French government in a kit meant to serve as a basis for a controversial national debate on national identity, the daily Le Figaro reported Thursday.
The questions touch on a variety of subjects, such as values, history, language, churches and, of course, gastronomy and wine - all spread over 16 chapters, four of which concern immigrants.
One question asks why France should accept immigrants - "To maintain a historic tradition of an open nation?" "To support our demographics?" "To satisfy the needs of certain people qualifiedfor certain professions?"
Other questions address the problem of what the French refer to as communalism, the tendency of ethnic or religious communities to resist integration in the broader society.
"Are the values of national identity compatible with communalism?" one question in the kit asks.
This issue has been at the heart of a number of sensitive debates in France, including the ongoing controversy over whether to ban the wearing of the burqa, the head-to-toe robe worn by Muslim women.
A question on whether any infringement on the equality of genders is compatible with the French national identity also refers indirectly to the burqa, Le Figaro writes.
The questionnaire has been sent to prefects all over the country and is to be used to lead a debate in hundreds of administrative offices.
On February 4, Immigration and National Identity Minister Eric Besson will present the results of the debate and propose measures to reinforce "national values and the pride of being French."
The opposition Socialist Party and a number of NGOs dealing with minorities and immigrants have refused to participate in the debate, charging that it is a political campaign ruse used by the ruling UMP party just ahead of regional elections to be held in March.
