Careless Statement of French Politician Fuels Racism Debates in France

A statement by French politician Nadine Morano, saying that France is "a country of white race" sparked intense debates about possible removal of the word "race" from the French constitution.

Heated discussion started among French officials and legal experts after Morano’s comment in which she called France "a country of a white race.”

Her statement shocked French politicians and lawmakers, some of whom suggested deleting the word "race" from the country’s constitution.

"Today the word race is about racism and it is not compatible with the Republic," French Finance Minister Michel Sapin stated, supporting the widespread protest.

The politician explained that 'white race' is an abominable term that does not correspond to France’s values.

"We are a Jewish-Christian country… of white race, which takes in foreigners," Morano television interview, claiming afterwards that she said nothing unusual.

The outraged lawmakers now expect French President Francois Hollande to take decisive step and to remove the world race from the country’s main document, thus fulfilling the promise he made during his pre-election campaign.

In May 2013 French MPs voted in favor of wiping out the term from around 60 legislative documents, but the corresponding amendments have not yet been implemented.