François Bayrou expresses his opposition to the use of 49.3 for the future immigration law
In a recent interview with Le Parisien, François Bayrou, the boss of MoDem, clearly expressed his opposition to the use of article 49.3 to pass the future immigration bill. According to him, this sensitive issue should not be treated in this way.
François Bayrou distinguishes “essential” texts for which recourse to 49.3 can be justified in the event of a blockage, from “useful” texts but which are not vital. He thus classifies the draft law on immigration in the category of “useful texts” and considers that it would be regrettable if Parliament did not manage to find an agreement on this issue. He says this would show the French who is responsible for the lack of improvement in this area. However, he says he is confident in the ability to overcome these obstacles.
The use of article 49.3 of the Constitution, which allows a text to be adopted without a vote in the Assembly, but exposes the government to the risk of a motion of censure, would therefore not be suitable according to François Bayrou to address the question of immigration. On the other hand, he considers that this tool is essential when it comes to passing budgets, in order to guarantee that the government is not constantly subjected to blackmail.
Regarding a possible referendum on immigration, François Bayrou is reluctant, contrary to the demands of the right and the far right. He believes that immigration should not be made into a flammable subject, fueled daily. However, he is in favor of introducing into the Constitution the right for a people to defend their identity and values, even when they welcome and grant asylum.
Finally, François Bayrou also defends the regularization of undocumented immigrants working in sectors where there is a shortage of labor. He considers that this would be a useful and fair measure, not to be confused with leaving these people in an irregular situation. He emphasizes that these individuals work, learn French and seek to integrate, and that it would be a mistake to leave them in a precarious situation.
The immigration bill continues to divide and the executive is struggling to find a majority to pass it. This subject will be at the heart of the debates during the parliamentary re-entry, and the Minister of the Interior Gérald Darmanin will soon speak before the MoDem meeting in La Roche-Posay.
In conclusion, François Bayrou is opposed to the use of 49.3 for the immigration bill and is reluctant to the idea of a referendum. He underlines the importance of distinguishing “essential” texts from “useful” texts, while defending the regularization of undocumented immigrants working in areas lacking labor. The question of immigration will remain at the heart of political debates in the months to come.