Protests in several cities in France against immigration law

Published at: 14/01/2024 02:40 PM

Thousands of French citizens marched this Sunday in cities such as Paris, Marseille, Lyon and Bordeaux, to demand the withdrawal of the immigration law approved last December 19, because they consider it contrary to human rights and republican values.

The demonstrations were well attended despite the low temperatures and are aimed at denouncing a law that attacks the fundamental principles of solidarity, freedom, equality and fraternity in France, highlights Prensa Latina.

This rule has been the subject of strong criticism from various social organizations and unions since it is the result of an agreement between the ruling party and the conservatives and toughens the treatment of immigration.

In addition, it seeks to pressure the Constitutional Council to declare the initiative contrary to the country's Magna Carta.

This was the first of two consecutive days of protest, with the next march scheduled for next Sunday and is expected to be even larger, since it has been convened by prominent unions, including the French Democratic Confederation of Labor (CFDT) and the General Confederation of Labor (CGT), which are the two largest in the country.

One of the most controversial aspects of the law is the imposition of a security deposit on foreign students in order to be accepted to universities in France.

In addition, family reunification, the regularization of undocumented workers and support for those who legally reside in the country are restricted, especially with regard to housing.

The law also proposes to reform State Medical Aid aimed at people without documents, a benefit that the right wing seeks to eliminate.