The French Constitutional Council censures much of the controversial immigration law

The French Constitutional Council has invalidated a significant portion of the French immigration law, which had been approved a month ago amidst controversy. The council nullified more than a third of the provisions in the law, including those that were strongly supported by right-wing parties such as the Republicans and Marine Le Pen’s far-right party. These measures, which were modified during the parliamentary debate, included restrictions on access to social assistance for foreigners and stricter criteria for family reunification. However, the council ruled that these measures did not align with the principles of the French Constitution and therefore should be annulled.

This decision has created a division within Macron’s government, as some left-wing factions considered the law too harsh. The council’s verdict aligns with the concerns raised by the left wing and removes the controversial content from the law. Macron had anticipated this outcome, as he had previously stated that the council would make amendments to the law. Out of a total of 86 articles, the council invalidated thirty.

Macron has managed to navigate these challenges by ensuring that his law moves forward, albeit in a modified form, thanks to the support of the far-right party. The government lacks a majority in the Assembly, which has necessitated strategic maneuvers to secure support. Macron has called for prompt implementation of the law, and the Interior Minister, Gérald Darmanin, expressed satisfaction with the council’s validation of the government’s initial text. The law is expected to be promulgated in the coming hours.

The National Regrouping party, led by Marine Le Pen, has criticized the judges for what they perceive as an abuse of power. They had considered the initial approval of the law as an ideological victory, as it was designed to limit access to social protection for foreigners.

This immigration law is Macron’s second major reform of his second term, following the controversial pension law that also faced significant opposition and underwent constitutional review. The Constitutional Council, composed of jurists and former politicians, is responsible for ensuring the conformity of laws with the French Constitution. Last year, the council was consulted following the approval of the pension reform, which spurred widespread protests across the country.

The original version of the immigration law aimed to strike a balance between the right and left-wing viewpoints but was expedited due to the government’s lack of majority in the Assembly. During the parliamentary debate, the conservative right-wing party, The Republicans, exerted influence to toughen the law, leading to the dilution of its more moderate provisions. Ultimately, a mixed commission was formed to draft a version that was approved in the Assembly, with support from the far-right and opposition from the left and many Macronist deputies.