Macron defends controversial immigration law – news.ORF.at

French President Emmanuel Macron defended the immigration law passed by Parliament in the face of criticism, including from within its ranks. Macron said this evening on France 5 television that the law aims to deter migrants from illegally immigrating to France and thus prevent burdening the social system. However, undocumented working migrants must obtain residence permits under certain conditions.

Pressure from conservatives

Parliament approved the controversial law on Tuesday evening, but in a stricter version under pressure from the conservative opposition Republican Party. Since the government has constitutional doubts on some points, Macron wants to submit the law to the Constitutional Council. The council then examines the law to ensure its legality. Under certain circumstances, sections may need to be improved before the project can go into effect.

There was also criticism that the law could only be passed in parliament because the right-wing National Rally party did not vote against the project but in favor. Instead of clearly isolating itself from Marine Le Pen’s party, the government moved closer to the right-wing party, the accusation was. Macron said: “I say frankly that our citizens have been waiting for this law, and if you want the National Rally party not to come to power with its ideas, you must address the problems that strengthen the party.”