The French government is embroiled in a heated debate over the future of the State Medical Aid (AME) program, which provides healthcare to undocumented immigrants.

The program, costing 1.2 billion euros annually, has become a contentious issue, with Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau advocating for its transformation into a more limited emergency medical aid.

Retailleau argues that the current system encourages illegal immigration, a stance supported by a recent report highlighting the rising number of beneficiaries.

However, Health Minister Geneviève Darrieussecq firmly opposes any changes, emphasizing the program's role in safeguarding public health and preventing contagions.

This disagreement underscores a broader political struggle within the government, as various factions debate the balance between immigration control and humanitarian obligations.