French immigration law rewrite sparks political tensions

The French government has decided to reform immigration laws again, even though the current regulations were introduced just under a year ago. The changes, which will be presented at the beginning of next year, were announced by Maud Bregeon, the Prime Minister's spokesperson.

The new law aims to tighten control over individuals residing in France without proper permits, including extending the detention periods in administrative centres before deportation.

This concerns people whose status is unresolved and who are considered a threat to public order. Currently, they can stay in special centres for up to 90 days. After the changes, this period could be extended to 210 days.

"We do not rule out the possibility of considering other regulations," Bregeon emphasized. She added that "there should be no taboos when it comes to protecting the French."

Prime Minister Michel Barnier and the new Minister of the Interior, Bruno Retailleau, have adopted a tougher stance on both legal and illegal immigration since their appointments. Retailleau, who advocates for radical solutions, raises concerns among centrist deputies who have supported President Emmanuel Macron since his victory in 2017.

The previous immigration law, adopted last December, broke the internal unity of parliamentarians supporting Macron. The reform was described as an "ideological victory" for Marine Le Pen, leader of the far-right National Rally. Jordan Bardella, the party's chairman, praised the plans for further changes, claiming that "now nothing can happen in parliament without the involvement" of his group, as quoted by "Politico".

Barnier, who leads a minority government, needs support not only from the right but also from centrist members of parliament, who express skepticism about further reforms. Gabriel Attal, former Prime Minister and now the leader of the pro-Macron Renaissance group, openly criticizes the push for the new law, emphasizing that "passing a law for the sake of passing one is not a priority."

Changes in French immigration law align with a broader European trend of tightening migration policies, especially following the electoral successes of populist parties in countries like Austria, where the pro-Russian Freedom Party recently triumphed. Even parties from the more liberal spectrum, such as the Social Democrats in Denmark and Germany, are calling for restrictions on migration. The discussion on this topic will be one of the main points of the European Council summit, scheduled for October 17 in Brussels at 2 p.m. Eastern Time.