France is deporting hundreds more Roma as part of President Nicolas Sarkozy's crackdown on illegal immigration and crime.

The French move continues to drawn shrarp and widespread criticism both inside  and outside the country.
 
Francois Fillon, the french prime minister said he sent a letter to European Commission chief that if Romania and Bulgaria don't stem the flow of Roma, his country could block their entry to the Schengen border-free zone.

But what is the legality of this French policy? Is it an EU issue really? Or is it just an electoral strategy as Sarkozy's poll ratings hit an almost all-time low?

Inside Story discusses with guests: Robert Kushen, the executive director of the European Roma rights centre, Christian Roudaut, a political commentator; and writer Rodica Pricop, the deputy editor of the nine o'clock newspaper.

Inside Story aired from Thursday, August 26, 2010.