French President Emmanuel Macron was forced to defend a controversial immigration bill passed in the French National Assembly this week, acknowledging its imperfections but insisting that it aligns with the desires of the French people rather than being a triumph for the far-right.
However, critics argue that the bill, negotiated with conservatives, inadvertently strengthens Marine Le Pen’s far-right agenda.
Le Pen’s MEP Jean-Paul Gerraud hailed the move claiming it will strengthen the French far-right leader’s chances at the next Presidential elections.
He told Express.co.uk: “This victory will indeed be positive for Marine Le Pen. It shows the French that Marine’s proposals are serious and that their democratic expression, the vote, serves a purpose when they use it.”
The contentious immigration bill, passed in the National Assembly with a 349-186 vote on Tuesday, has drawn criticism for echoing the far-right National Rally’s demands for “national preference,” emphasising the interests of the French over foreigners.
Macron’s centrist alliance and the conservative Republicans party collaborated on the bill, leading many to perceive a rightward shift within the government.
The bill’s approval prompted Macron’s health minister, Aurelien Rousseau, to resign in protest, reflecting the internal divisions within the government.
Left-leaning lawmakers within Macron’s alliance also expressed dissatisfaction, with some abstaining or voting against the bill.
In response to the bill’s passage, Le Pen hailed it as an “ideological victory,” a claim contested by Macron. He dismissed it as “a defeat for the National Rally” and accused the far-right party of “playing with fear.”
The National Rally, now a formidable political force with 88 lawmakers in the lower house, has capitalised on the bill’s passage to strengthen its position.
Garraud further revealed future plans, outlining a comprehensive anti-immigration referendum scheduled for 2027.
The proposal aims to reform the constitution, establishing its supremacy over international treaties to regain control over migration policy. The referendum seeks to set stringent rules for French citizenship and prioritise national interests.
“In practice, we will ban the regularisation of illegal immigrants, process asylum applications from abroad, expel foreign criminals and delinquents, and put an end to droit du sol. The draft law that will be put to the French people in a referendum is already drafted and ready,” Garraud told this website.
