In one small southern town, Beziers, the far-right mayor caused a stir recently when he put up posters reading ominously: “They’re coming.” Demonstrations have been staged in other communities, despite efforts by French officials to calm fears. The camp and the fate of its inhabitants have already emerged as contentious issues in France’s presidential elections, to be held next year. “It’s up to Britain to do that job.”A tent is painted with the British flag at the "Jungle" migrant camp in Calais, France Philippe Huguen / Getty Images A tent is painted with the British flag at the "Jungle" migrant camp in Calais, France A tent is painted with the British flag at the "Jungle" migrant camp in Calais, France (Philippe Huguen / Getty Images)Far-right politicians have long seized on the burdens and disruptions caused by the camp, adding fuel to fears galvanized by a string of terrorist attacks. After months of delays — including a court challenge on humanitarian grounds, which was rejected this week — French officials on Friday unveiled their timetable for closing the camp. At the camp, conditions have only become more wretched over the years.

Source: Los Angeles Times October 21, 2016 22:52 UTC