PARIS: In France, a contentious immigration bill has rekindled debates, as MPs and senators resume discussions on Tuesday after last-minute disagreements stalled the legislation.
President Emmanuel Macron’s government seeks to enact stringent immigration laws, but a coalition of right-wing and left-wing opposition members voted down the draft without substantive debate. This development prompted Macron’s administration, lacking a parliamentary majority, to engage in frantic talks with opposition parties to rescue the proposed legislation.
By Monday afternoon, a key member of Macron’s party mentioned that an agreement on the text of the bill was “practically a foregone conclusion.” A mixed parliamentary commission, comprising seven upper-house senators and seven lower-house lawmakers, convened to negotiate a compromise text.
However, the meeting faced interruptions, and policy disagreements, including issues related to access to social benefits, led to a four-hour suspension. The session resumed until midnight when a deadlock emerged over family allowances, potentially affecting the bill’s progress.
The impasse has been a source of frustration for Macron, as the inability to implement his reform agenda could impact his presidency. To navigate this complex situation, Macron’s government may be compelled to make concessions, risking criticism from the far-right, which contends that the bill lacks toughness. Advocacy groups have criticized the proposed legislation, advocating for improved conditions for migrants who contribute significantly to various industries in France.
In a letter published in Liberation newspaper, over 380 local and national Green legislators urged parliamentarians to abandon the bill, arguing that it contributes to the criminalization and stigmatization of migrants. The government’s ministers emphasized the need for a compromise to avoid bolstering the far-right’s position.
The parliamentary commission working on the bill has already incorporated measures proposed by the right, such as immigration quotas, fines for illegal residence, and restrictions on undocumented migrants’ access to reduced transportation fares. The conservative Republicans, whose cooperation is crucial, are pushing for additional controversial restrictions, including tying social benefits to residency duration.
Amid these debates, thousands of demonstrators marched in France, calling for “resistance” against what they perceive as a “denial of republican values.” Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin expressed optimism about reaching a compromise with the conservative Republicans, while Solidarity Minister Aurore Berge acknowledged that concessions might be necessary to achieve a result.
However, even if the parliamentary commission agrees on a compromise text, obstacles may arise in the lower house, the National Assembly. Around 10 percent of the 251 deputies from the presidential camp could abstain or vote against the bill, according to a parliamentary source. Originally proposed by Macron’s centrist government to balance expulsions and migrants’ integration, the draft law was toughened in the upper house. The current version faces criticism from both far-right and far-left factions, reflecting the deeply polarized views on immigration policies.
In a country where an estimated 5.1 million immigrants constitute 7.6 percent of the population, the ongoing debates underscore the challenges of finding a balanced and widely accepted approach to immigration in France.
