Far-right national rally surprises with support for Macron's immigration bill

The far-right National Rally, led by Marine Le Pen, announced its unexpected support for President Emmanuel Macron’s immigration bill on Tuesday.

This move significantly enhances the legislation’s chances of passing through parliament, breaking days of deadlock and adding a new layer of complexity to the ongoing immigration debate in France.

President Macron’s government considers the bill pivotal in taking a proactive stance on immigration issues, attempting to reclaim ground from the far-right narrative. However, the journey of this legislation has been marked by twists and turns, as various amendments have made it even more stringent since its initial submission, drawing criticism from the left.

Three-time presidential candidate Marine Le Pen expressed satisfaction with what she called “ideological progress” and a “victory” for the National Rally as the bill became a national priority.

This surprising stance contradicts the RN’s previous declaration of voting against or abstaining from the bill.

The bill’s fate hung in the balance after being voted down without debate in the National Assembly last week, dealing a significant blow to Macron’s government.

Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin, a key proponent of the legislation, had warned that failure to pass it could pave the way for Le Pen’s victory in the 2027 presidential election.

The left responded with dismay, with Socialist lawmakers denouncing it as a “great moment of dishonor for the government.”

The legislation is poised for crucial votes in both the Senate and the National Assembly on Tuesday evening.

While the bill is expected to receive support from the National Rally, Macron’s centrist coalition, and the right-wing Republicans, concerns linger within Macron’s camp about potential rebellion from within their ranks.

The stakes are high for Macron, who cannot seek re-election in 2027 and aims to avoid appearing as a lame duck in his remaining mandate.

The controversy surrounding the immigration bill has also exposed divisions within Macron’s mandate, prompting some to label it a “moment of truth.”

Critics argue that the bill, potentially the “most regressive” in decades, threatens the rights and living conditions of foreigners in France, drawing condemnation from numerous NGOs.

Key provisions of the legislation include conditional social security benefits for foreigners based on their presence in France and the introduction of migration quotas.

Additionally, measures for stripping dual-national convicts of French nationality have sparked further debates on the bill’s impact on fundamental values.

As the political landscape heats up with tensions, France faces a critical juncture, grappling with the consequences of a controversial immigration bill that has polarized opinions and ignited debates on the nation’s future direction.