Abstract EN:

In 1956, at the time of Tunisia’s independence, 180 000 people having the French nationality live in this country; which represents 5% of its global population. Some of them are the descendants of immigrants who have kept coming from the northern shores of the Mediterranean Sea since the middle of the nineteenth century; others became French in the frame of a naturalization policy towards Europeans and Tunisian Jews. In 1956, two-thirds of them were born in Tunisia. In 1881, the supremacy of France upon Tunisia implies at the same time a political and economical domination, and an acculturation of both the European minorities and the Tunisian elite. Nevertheless, the French community is not homogeneous; its lack of cohesion is the result of its social differences and of the variety of its cultural references. Relations with the Tunisians are not scarce; they are often friendly. The French living in Tunisia, hardly aware of Tunisian’s national spirit, are opposed to any change which could jeopardize their presence in the country. In 1952, they support the firmness policy initiated by resident Jean de Hautecloque. But the result of this policy is to federate the oppositions to the French domination which finally opens the way to negotiation. If the French leaving in Tunisia accept the self-government proposed by Mendès France, it is with the idea that this solution will allow a smooth transition spreading over around ten years. But the war of Algeria speeds up Tunisia’s liberation. The process of emigration of the French of Tunisia towards France is massive and fast (1956 – 1964). The rhythm of the departures is scanned by political events “tunisification” of the administration, new laws for the foreigners and for the property rights). It can also be explained by the fragile economical situation. The choice of France as the host country is evident for most of them, because of cultural affinities of course, but principally in consideration of the opportunities she offers.