Figures from France have revealed a tenfold increase in the number of Britons applying for French citizenship. They show that 386 Britons filed applications to become French in 2015, rising to 1,363 in 2016 and to 3,173 in 2017. Over the same period, the number of UK nationals obtaining French citizenship increased from 320 to 1,518. Fiona Mougenot, who runs an immigration consultancy in France, said many applicants were prompted by a wish to retain European citizenship.
Very sensible. If I didn’t already have two nationalities I would be tempted, too. The French way of life is changing; you can see this very clearly in Paris, which is becoming Americanised, for younger business people anyway. But outside Paris the pace of life, the countryside, the food, the wine, the language, (most of) the climate – all are a delight, despite de-population in country towns and villages. The French are now speaking more English, too.
Aside from being able to enjoy a lovely country, the main reason for the increasing desirability of French citizenship is that Britain seems intent on abolishing freedom of movement, thus making British citizenship much less preferable. The right to live and work anywhere in the EU (including Norway and Switzerland) is a fantastic one. The government should think twice before making British citizenship less appealing.