New immigration policies raises double standards for the US; European political professor tells ILNA

"Olivier Arifon", university professor in France and Belguim in an interview with ILNA talks Europe conditions and the evolving situation after "Donal Trump", US president, has taken office. 

Olivier Arifon is a political expert which has focused his reseach on political communication and cross-cultrual communications. 

The lines below are excerpts from his interview with ILNA:

ILNA: Regarding Trump's immigration orders, how does such orders might influence his administrations image nationally and its relations with other countries worldwide?

In terms of communication, such action is like raising double standards: the USA will certainly remain an actor for promoting democracy and rule of law and on the other hand, the administration creates new rules which are opposite to that point. In terms of images and perceptions, it is very negative. A similar case was the Bush presidency and the terrible image of the USA.

We must wait and see how the process will evolve.

Nationally, the pro-Trump will be positive, the anti-Trump will react and are already organizing themselves. This analyse is made in terms of image, not in terms of law and treaties.

ILNA: Since incoming election in France and Germany is underway, in case far right extremists will be able to get into office, what would be the fate of immigrants and refugees?

I don’t believe in that issue. There is no debate in the media on such point, at least in France.

ILNA: After election in France, to what extent Frexit is probable? 

I believe that there is a very tiny chance for the far right to be in power in France. So, I don’t believe in the Frexit.

ILNA: How much Merkel's immigration policies might influence her political future?

Rise of AFD (alternative fur Deutschland) will continue, by gaining seats, but il will remain a minority party. Germans are very sensitive on that point and can mobilize for general elections.

ILNA: Considering positive relations between Trump and Putin, how do you see the prospects of US-NATO relations? If the sanctions would be lifted, what position would Russia take toward Ukraine?

This topic is complex. I think that Russia will follow his process of destabilisation of Ukraine even if sanctions are lifted. Maybe in a more discreet way.

ILNA: How do you think European Union would react to such strict immigration policies of Trump?

EU is a slow machine. Every 6 months, the EU summit is the moment of discussion and debates. I think that diplomats and chancelleries are waiting for clear elements from the US.