François Bayrou, the head of MoDem, recently spoke about the use of 49.3 to pass the immigration bill, and was opposed to this measure. In an interview with Le Parisien, he declared that the question of immigration was not suited to this tool and that he preferred to find a parliamentary agreement.
In this interview, François Bayrou distinguishes between “essential” texts which require the use of 49.3 in the event of a blockage, and “useful” but non-vital texts. He classifies the immigration bill in the latter category and affirms that it would be regrettable if Parliament did not manage to find an agreement on this subject.
For François Bayrou, the use of 49.3 would be unwelcome in the area of immigration. However, he emphasizes that this procedure is relevant when it comes to voting on budgets, in order to guarantee governmental stability.
Regarding the possibility of a referendum on immigration, François Bayrou is reluctant. He believes that we should not make immigration a flammable subject, rekindling the fire every day. However, he supports the idea of affirming in the Constitution the right of a people to defend their identity and values while welcoming and offering asylum.
François Bayrou also defends the regularization of undocumented immigrants working in sectors where labor is in shortage. Despite opposition, he considers this measure fair and useful to allow these people to work, learn French and fully integrate.
The immigration bill, which is slow to be adopted, will be at the heart of the parliamentary debates at the start of the school year. The Minister of the Interior, Gérald Darmanin, will soon speak before the MoDem meeting in La Roche-Posay to discuss this subject.
In conclusion, François Bayrou expresses his opposition to the use of 49.3 for the immigration law and is reluctant to hold a referendum on this subject. He favors the search for a parliamentary agreement and defends the regularization of undocumented immigrants working in areas with a labor shortage. The question of immigration continues to generate debate within the government and the parliamentary majority.