Political Crisis in France: Adoption of the New Immigration Law Divides Emmanuel Macron’s Camp

France is shaken by a major political crisis after the adoption of the new immigration law on Tuesday night, following 18 months of debates and shifts. Tensions have escalated to the point where a minister has already resigned, exposing divisions within Emmanuel Macron’s camp.

Context and Parliamentary Shifts

The previous week, deputies had voted against the immigration bill presented by the Minister of the Interior, Gérald Darmanin. Opposition came from the left, right, and far-right, prompting the government to convene a joint committee of deputies and senators to reach an agreement. The Committee ultimately resulted in a stricter version of the law, with significant concessions made by the presidential camp to gain right-wing support.

Contents of the Law

The new immigration law includes several restrictive provisions affecting various aspects of foreigners’ lives in France. Highlights include restrictions on social benefits for non-European foreigners in regular situations, stricter family reunification conditions, the regularization of undocumented workers entrusted to prefects, the reinstatement of the offense of irregular stay, migration quotas set by Parliament, and changes in the procedure for expelling convicted foreigners.

Political and Societal Reactions

The adoption of this law has created a significant divide within Emmanuel Macron’s camp. Approximately one-fourth of the presidential camp’s deputies voted against the project, leading to the resignation of at least one minister, Health Minister Aurélien Rousseau.

The left denounces this vote as a “shame” and accuses Macron of adopting positions from the far-right. The National Rally celebrates this “ideological victory,” highlighting the president’s apparent turnaround on far-right votes.

On the civil society front, some associations, such as the Abbé Pierre Foundation, express concerns about the risk of an increase in poverty due to the law’s planned aid restrictions.

Emmanuel Macron’s Position and Future Perspectives

Emmanuel Macron has spoken out to defend the law, stating that it does not align with the National Rally’s positions. However, he has also expressed opposition to certain provisions, notably the imposed deposit for foreign students.

The French president stated that he would submit the bill to the Constitutional Council to verify its compliance with the Constitution. This step could lead to further modifications to the text.

To Read : Assembly Drama: Immigration Law Rejected, Gérald Darmanin Faces a Delicate Choice

In conclusion, the adoption of this immigration law in France has generated a significant political crisis, exposing divisions within Emmanuel Macron’s camp and raising concerns within civil society. The impact of this law on French politics and society remains to be observed, particularly in light of possible developments after the Constitutional Council’s review.