In a surprising turn of events, the French parliament approved an immigration bill supported by President Emmanuel Macron. The ruling party secured a wide majority in the lower house, avoiding the need for support from Marine Le Pen’s far-right National Rally (RN). The legislation faced amendments, tightening immigration measures, leading to criticism from the left for allegedly yielding to far-right pressure.
Le Pen unexpectedly endorsed the modified bill, causing rifts within Macron’s Renaissance Party. Left-leaning members expressed their disapproval, with some ministers reportedly considering resignation. The National Rally, initially planning to vote against or abstain, shifted its stance, earning the Macron government’s ire. French media labeled Le Pen’s move as a “kiss of death” for Macron’s party.
Previously rejected without debate, the bill’s revival was crucial for Macron, who cannot seek re-election in 2027. The situation intensified as key ministers, including Health Minister Aurelien Rousseau, warned of potential resignations. Macron, addressing the seriousness, called a party meeting before the vote. He pledged to subject the bill to a new reading if reliant on RN votes, signaling his reluctance to fully embrace far-right support.
Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin, a driving force behind the legislation, cautioned that failure to pass the bill could boost Le Pen’s chances in the 2027 presidential election. The left and hard-left denounced the legislation, with Socialist lawmaker Boris Vallaud branding it a “great moment of dishonor for the government.”
The bill’s passage, with 349 in favor and 186 against in the lower house, marked a critical moment for Macron’s presidency. Facing challenges with a non-majority government and potential ministerial resignations, Macron navigated a delicate political landscape. Dozens of NGOs criticized the legislation as potentially the “most regressive” immigration law in decades, highlighting concerns about the impact on the rights and living conditions of foreigners in France. The political crisis surrounding the bill was described as a “moment of truth” for Macron’s mandate by Le Monde, emphasizing the fragilities of his leadership.
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