Published in the Official Gazette, the French government has officially released the text of the new immigration law on Saturday. Initial instructions for its implementation have been communicated to officials, following the rejection of significant portions of the law by the Constitutional Council on Thursday. The rejection, particularly of measures proposed by the right-wing, has stirred political tensions in the country.
President Emmanuel Macron has called on his government, including Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin, to do everything possible for the “swift implementation of the immigration law.” This move comes after the Constitutional Council, on Thursday, rejected substantial parts of the law, especially those advocated by the right-wing.
The rejected provisions had garnered criticism and protests, primarily due to their implications, such as reducing allowances for non-European foreigners, setting annual immigration quotas, and tightening family reunification conditions.
Following the publication in the Official Gazette, Interior Minister Darmanin emphasized the government’s commitment to implementing the law promptly. He acknowledged that the Constitutional Council’s rejection was expected, as several provisions in the text were “clearly contrary to the constitution.”
While the government is pushing for the swift execution of the immigration law, far-right leader Jordan Bardella condemned the outcome, labeling it a “judicial coup supported by the president.” Bardella declared that the immigration law was “born dead” and called for a referendum on immigration.
The political atmosphere in France remains charged as the government faces the task of navigating through the aftermath of the Constitutional Council’s decision and ensuring the effective implementation of the contentious immigration law.