The Roma community is considered one of the largest transnational minorities in Europe, with an estimated 10-12 million people. However, it's a group with one of the lowest life expectancies and worst health records in Europe, since Roma often lack access to proper housing, education, employment and political representation.
The question of the Romani people in France remains a highly charged issue, be it played out on the streets of Paris or in the chambers of the Assemblée Nationale. What will soon be realised by both is that Sarkozy's deportation of the Romani population may well be breaking international human rights laws, even as it fails to reach its political aim.