“Immigration” law: Emmanuel Macron’s complex explanations

LThe request, which lasted more than two hours, in which Emmanuel Macron, the guest of the “C à vous” program of France 5 on Wednesday, December 20, expressed the seriousness of the crisis that has shaken the presidential camp since the reception. The immigration bill. Health Minister Aurelien Rousseau resigned and fifty-nine MPs from the majority failed to vote for the text toughened by the right and voiced at the last minute by Marine Le Pen. This is Emmanuel Macron’s first major ambition since entering the Elysée. This is all the more dangerous because it occurs in the relatively majority of conditions and risks paralysis if not quickly contained.

A moral dimension is added to this crisis, which particularly damages the image of Macronism: after Elizabeth Bourne, under pressure from the head of state, ended negotiations with radicalized LR parliamentarians, the executive was accused by the left of accepting ideas. National rally instead of fighting them.

Emmanuel Macron’s answer was played in two registers. The first, offensive, consisted in proving ways to confront Marine Le Pen, who became the most dangerous opponent. It is needed “Start from reality, look at the problems that concern the French” He pleaded and criticized the failures of his predecessors “Fight mass unemployment, deindustrialization and achieve integration”.

Contrary to what he did for the pension reform, the head of state took advantage of the polls. The immigration text, which the opposition did not want to discuss in the National Assembly, enjoys broad public support, he notes, while legislation is becoming tougher across Europe.

Opting out

The other register was clearly more defensive. Taking into account the deep anxiety expressed by the majority, the founder of En marche! They were convicted “legitimate” Disagreement that was expressed in his camp and he himself did not admit “like” All provisions adopted. Certain measures imposed by the LR, such as limiting land rights or restricting access to social benefits for foreigners in legal situations, actually confirm the discourse of revenge by the extreme right.

Emmanuel Macron could have rejected them, but the text, which also contains provisions to facilitate deportations at the borders, speed up asylum decisions and legalize a certain number of regulations in the professions of tension, would not be seen today. In order to preserve what he valued, he preferred to be allowed to handle his own affairs and then rely on the Constitutional Council, whom he contacted to settle matters. The choice to postpone the issue is all the more problematic for republican values, as it encourages the right and far-right to step up their crusade against the judges in the event of a partial nullification.

Whatever its final wording, the immigration bill that comes on the heels of controversial pension reform will cost the executive branch dearly. The Prime Minister and the Minister of Internal Affairs came out of the ordeal as weakened as each other. The social-democratic wing of the majority, marginalized for a second term, is on the wane. The rest of the troops do not disband, but look for a mobilization project to engage with. Emmanuel Macron, who is in a hurry to turn the page, is still responsible for the dangerous choices he has made in a political context that is becoming tougher by the day.