PARIS: Paris witnessed the gathering of thousands of demonstrators protesting against the recently enacted immigration law, a contentious legislation supported by far-right lawmakers in the parliament.
Responding to a call from over 400 associations, unions, and political parties, the protesters, undeterred by the cold weather, convened at Republic Square to express their strong opposition to the legislation.
Marching towards Clichy Square, the demonstrators voiced their disapproval of the government’s decision to pass the law with the backing of the far-right National Rally (RN) party.
Critics argue that the legislation will foster discrimination against foreigners, characterizing it as a “racist” policy that should be abandoned.
Holding placards bearing messages like “We Don’t Want a Society Built on Racism, Colonialism, Fascism” and “We Work Here. We Live Here. We Stay Here,” activists chanted slogans in solidarity with the Paperless, referring to individuals without residency permits.
The protest, which attracted participants beyond the immigrant community, also saw the presence of politicians, including lawmakers from the left-wing France Unbowed party such as Mathilde Panot, Carlos Martens Bilongo, Hadrien Clouet, and Daniele Obono.
Clouet criticized the right-wing government for aligning with the far right and implementing what he deemed the “extremely shameful” program of figures like Jean-Marie Le Pen and Marine Le Pen, characterized as anti-republic, xenophobic, and racist.
Expressing concerns about the potential consequences of the immigration law, Clouet argued that if implemented, it would lead to unequal social rights for citizens and foreigners, subjecting the latter to extraordinary practices.
The law, passed on December 19 last year, links rental assistance and family benefits for foreigners residing in France to specific employment conditions, with employed foreigners eligible for rental support three months after arrival, while non-employed individuals can obtain support after five years.
