Emmanuel Macron’s centrist government is grappling with an escalating political crisis in France following the resignation of Health Minister Aurélien Rousseau in protest against the controversial immigration bill supported by the far-right. Rousseau’s resignation, tendered immediately after MPs passed the legislation on Tuesday, was officially accepted by the government on Wednesday.
In an attempt to prevent further cabinet resignations, several ministers, including Clément Beaune, responsible for transport, who had expressed opposition to the revised legislation, were reportedly summoned to meet with Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne after the vote. Macron is expected to address the nation from the Elysée Palace on a prime-time news chat show to discuss “key moments” in 2023 and upcoming highlights.
The original immigration bill, undergoing an 18-month drafting process, faced obstacles this month when opposition MPs rejected it in the Assemblée nationale before any debate. Subsequently, the government, lacking a majority in the lower house, referred it to a joint committee of MPs and senators to find a compromise. However, the senators introduced stringent measures, prompting far-right leader Marine Le Pen to claim an “ideological victory” for her party’s anti-immigration stance.
Borne denied the existence of a government crisis, asserting that she had ensured the bill respected French values and contained “useful and effective measures.” While MPs from Macron’s Renaissance party were divided on the legislation, with 27 voting against and 32 abstaining, Borne insisted it would have passed even without the support of the far-right National Rally (RN). However, analysis revealed that had the RN voted against the bill, it would have failed.
Government spokesperson Olivier Véran acknowledged the precarious nature of addressing immigration issues, given the relative majority in the Assemblée nationale. He emphasized the need for compromise, stating, “Since yesterday, everyone has been trying to impose their own narrative. The [RN] and the right want to shout victory.”
The legislation is now under scrutiny by the constitutional council, with a month allocated for examination to determine the constitutionality of clauses, particularly immigration “quotas” and restrictions on undocumented individuals’ access to welfare benefits. The government is banking on the council deeming both measures constitutional.
