Why did people cross the the Mediterranean?

Over 400, 000 people have crossed the Mediterranean during 2015, undertaking unthinkable journeys from countries like Syria, that have been torn apart by war and persecution. These families are fleeing for their lives, risking the treacherous sea and land crossings.

In the long run, Mr. Macron may be right about the coming shift. Yet his effort raises tough questions. One is whether combining left and right to confront nationalism runs the risk of lending such forces legitimacy. He brushes aside such concerns, pointing out that the FN is already France’s top party in recent voting. His argument is that politicians cannot just fight fear (of immigration or globalization) with fear (of an FN victory) ; they need to make a positive case for progress, and equal opportunity, in an open society.