French government's new immigration law: A shift towards stricter controls

The French government has reiterated its intention to reform immigration laws again, despite the current regulations being introduced just under a year ago. These changes, set to be unveiled at the beginning of next year, were announced by the Prime Minister's spokesperson, Maud Bregeon.

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 individuals whose status is unresolved and considered a threat to public order. They are sent to special centres where they can stay for up to three months. After the changes, this period could be extended to seven months.

"We do not rule out the possibility of considering other regulations," Bregeon emphasised. 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, an advocate of 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, disrupted the internal unity of parliamentarians supporting Macron. The reform was then 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 from the right and 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 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 such as 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 17th October at 12:00 GMT in Brussels.