PARIS – France’s Constitutional Court has invalidated 32 out of 86 articles in a contentious immigration bill, a move that has exacerbated internal turmoil within President Emmanuel Macron’s camp. The court’s decision included the rejection of provisions restricting social benefits for recently arrived immigrants, which had been criticized for fostering a “national preference” system.
The bill, passed in December with an agreement between Macron’s government and the right-wing Les Républicains movement, faced criticism from left-wing opposition MPs. The unexpected alliance led to a political crisis within Macron’s camp, with dissenting voices and a quarter of coalition MPs refusing to support the legislation.
In addition to striking down certain aspects of the immigration bill, the Constitutional Court also nullified a clause granting preferential visas to British owners of vacation homes. The Brexit-related provision, added during parliamentary debates in November, had allowed automatic issuance of long-term visas to British second-home owners. The court deemed this clause unrelated to the bill’s core objectives.
Following the court’s decision, the previous rules for British citizens, allowing up to 90 days in any 180-day period on the Continent, will remain in place. Those desiring longer stays must now apply for specific long-term visas.
While Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin celebrated the court’s approval of the government’s original bill, the aftermath of the legislation’s passage has left Macron’s coalition in disarray, prompting a government reshuffle. Far-right leaders, including Marine Le Pen, have criticized the court’s decision, with calls for a referendum on immigration and demands for constitutional reforms echoing through the political landscape.