” ” "This is a first step towards the development of shared rules on the problem of illegal migrants", taking action "in an area where some countries had no rules whatsoever". Manfred Weber, speaking about the "repatriation directive" voted today by European Parliament, explains once again the reasons behind the provision, which will be enforced in 2010. The law, which is the fruit of a compromise with the EU Council, divided the Assembly. Opposed by many civil and ecclesial organisations, especially because of the long detention set out for the "sans papier" (up to 18 months) and its applicability to children, the directive was passed "at the first reading". "If we had changed explains Weber the content of the directive and had gone on to a second parliamentary reading, we would then have developed an even stricter regulation, as many governments, first and foremost Spain, had actually asked for". "The directive adds the German MEP is a response to illegality and is the fruit of a new political and cultural climate, as has also been proven by some recent national elections". "People want stricter rules explains the speaker , and we have tried to do just that".
