France’s highest constitutional authority rejects significant parts of immigration bill

Le Conseil constitutionnel, France’s highest constitutional authority, has made a significant decision by rejecting more than a third of the articles in a contentious immigration bill. The bill was initially adopted under pressure from the right and far right political factions.

Rejection of Measures

The ruling by the Constitutional Council notably rejected measures in the bill that aimed to toughen access to social benefits and family reunification. Additionally, the introduction of immigration quotas set by parliament was also dismissed. The rejected measures also included those making it harder for immigrants to bring their families to France and limiting their access to social welfare.

Upheld Provisions

While much of the bill presented by President Emmanuel Macron’s government has been upheld, the Council censured certain contentious additions that were made under pressure from right and far right influences.

Political Reactions

Interior Minister Gerard Darmanin welcomed the decision, stating that “The Constitutional Council has approved all the government’s text” referencing the ruling. In contrast, Jordan Bardella, president of the far-right National Rally party, criticized the move as a “coup by the judges, with the backing of the president” and called for a referendum on immigration as the “only solution”.

Potential Future Implications

Although the more hardline amendments have been dismissed by the court, there is still a possibility for them to be accepted at a later stage as part of different legislation.

Public Response

Groups who perceive the law as contrary to French values and as a concession to the increasingly influential far right have voiced their opposition. Demonstrations were held prior to the ruling outside the Constitutional Council in central Paris, with protesters accusing the government of yielding to pressure from Marine Le Pen’s far-right National Rally party to push the law through parliament. It’s worth noting that about 75,000 people protested across France on Sunday over the legislation, urging Macron not to sign it into law.

European Context

This dispute occurs amid tensions across Europe regarding migration, especially as anti-immigration parties on the far right are gaining popularity in the lead-up to the European Parliament elections in June.

Macron’s Political Shift

The developments around the immigration bill also highlight President Emmanuel Macron’s shift towards right-wing policies, particularly on security and immigration issues, since coming to power on a pro-business, centrist platform.

The decision by the Constitutional Council to reject significant parts of the immigration bill is likely to have far-reaching implications, both domestically and within the broader European political landscape. The rejection of measures toughening access to social benefits and family reunification addresses concerns of many groups who see the legislation as a move towards aligning with the far-right ideologies and a departure from traditional French values. In the context of the upcoming European Parliament elections, the handling of the immigration bill is expected to feature prominently in political discourse, both in France and across the EU.