France Offers Tunisia Funds to Address Migrant Crisis

French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin announced during a visit to Tunisia today, Monday, that "his country will provide Tunisia with 25.8 million euros to help stop migrant boats across the Mediterranean." Darmanin stated, "Tunisia's role is not to be a coast guard, but we are working to reduce the number of departures," and noted that he also provided the Tunisian authorities with a list of individuals that France wants to return to Tunisia. This funding is separate from the European Union's package of 105 million euros to assist Tunisia in addressing the migration crisis, which was announced by the President of the European Commission earlier this month. The funds will cover equipment and training costs, in addition to the EU's 105 million euro package announced by the European Commission President earlier this month to help Tunisia cope with the significant increase in migrants. The number of migrants from Tunisia is rising as the country faces dire economic conditions and a looming crisis in public finances.