In his first public remarks since the controversial immigration reform was voted into law, French President Emmanuel Macron assured that France will continue to welcome foreigners, particularly asylum seekers and students. The president made these comments during an interview with the “C à vous” television program, emphasizing the country’s historical openness to those seeking refuge or education.
While acknowledging that he does not agree with all aspects of the legislation, Macron defended the law as a necessary compromise. He described political life as a series of crises, agreements, and disagreements.
The contentious immigration law, passed shortly before midnight on Tuesday, includes measures such as migration quotas, making it more challenging for immigrants’ children to obtain French citizenship, and delaying access to welfare benefits for migrants. These provisions were added to secure the support of right-wing lawmakers for the bill’s passage.
The law also streamlines the process for expelling illegal migrants but steps back from earlier plans to ease residency permits for workers in sectors facing labor shortages. The inclusion of these measures caused discomfort among Macron’s more left-leaning lawmakers, with several either abstaining or voting against the bill in Tuesday’s vote.
Following the passage of the bill, Macron faced internal divisions within his ruling alliance, leading to the resignation of Health Minister Aurélien Rousseau. Despite the far-right National Rally party’s endorsement of the bill, Macron insisted that he had not betrayed the voters who supported him in the 2022 re-election to prevent Marine Le Pen from coming to power.
Describing the law as a “shield” that was needed, Macron emphasized its aim to discourage illegal immigration, particularly addressing concerns that have fueled the rise of far-right sentiments. While acknowledging France’s “immigration problem,” he stressed that the country is not “overwhelmed by immigration.”