Strong reactions after the show L’heure des pros: Pascal Praud and a criticized parallel between bedbugs and immigration

A parallel between bedbugs and immigration?

Pascal Praud, presenter on CNews, finds himself at the heart of a controversy after drawing a parallel between bedbugs and immigration during his show L’heure des pros. Indeed, on September 29, in this same program, Pascal Praud invited Nicolas Roux de Bézieux, co-founder of a company specializing in domestic pests, to discuss the growing problem of bedbugs in France.
During their discussion, the journalist asked a question which aroused the anger and incomprehension of many observers: “Do we have an indicator which shows that the more foreigners who enter our country, the more Do we find bed fleas?” This question caused a media outcry and outraged reactions on social networks.

• Some considered this questioning racist and xenophobic, accusing Pascal Praud of relating everything to migrants and stigmatizing them.
• Others denounced a lack of rigor and a desire for sensationalism, emphasizing that bedbugs are a complex health problem that cannot be reduced to an immigration issue.

Pascal Praud’s response

Following the controversy surrounding his question, Pascal Praud tried to justify himself by explaining that he was only “asking all the questions”, not being afraid to defy good thinking. Despite everything, the unease is palpable and this affair once again highlights the need for television presenters and journalists to be vigilant about the subjects discussed and the potential political implications of their questions.

The real emergency: fighting bedbugs

In this context, it is essential not to lose sight of the major challenge represented by the proliferation of bedbugs in France. This scourge continues to grow, affecting more and more housing and public establishments, and poses a real public health problem. The causes of this resurgence are multiple:

• The increase in international trade encourages the movement of insects between countries.
• Pest treatment methods have evolved and are less effective against bed bugs.
• The lack of information among the general public as well as professionals leads to poor management of infestations.

It is therefore urgent that public authorities put in place appropriate measures to help fight against bedbugs, without trying to make it a political or racial issue.