French President Emmanuel Macron has defended the immigration law passed by parliament against criticism, including from within his own ranks. The law aims to deter migrants from irregular immigration to France and thus prevent the social system from being overwhelmed, Macron said last night on the France 5 television channel. Undocumented migrant workers, however, must receive residence permits under certain conditions.
Pressure from conservatives
The controversial law was approved by Parliament on Tuesday night, but in a significantly stricter version, under pressure from the conservative opposition party Les Republicains. Given that the government has constitutional doubts on some points, Macron wants to submit the law to the Constitutional Council. The council then examines the law for its legality. In certain circumstances, it may be necessary to improve crossings before the project takes effect.
There was also criticism that the law could only be approved in parliament because the right-wing national party Rassemblement National did not vote against, but in favor of the project. Instead of clearly isolating itself from Marine Le Pen's party, the government moved closer to the right-wing party, was the accusation. “I say frankly that our compatriots have been waiting for this law, and if they want the Rassemblement National not to come to power with their ideas, then they must address the problems that strengthen the party,” Macron said.