Horizons and Republican deputies backed a Rassemblement national bill to reinstate the illegal stay offense. The text, examined in the laws committee on October 22, will be debated on October 30 in the Hémicycle. The measure, abolished in 2012, was struck down by the Constitutional Council in 2024.
The Rassemblement national (RN) parliamentary slots in the National Assembly often set traps for opponents. The far-right party's initiative day, scheduled for Thursday, October 30, in the Hémicycle, exemplifies this with one of its six bills: the proposal to reinstate the illegal stay offense. The text was examined on Wednesday, October 22, in the laws committee.
This offense, aimed at combating illegal immigration, was abolished by François Hollande in 2012, implementing a European directive that prohibited associated prison sentences. Its reinstatement nearly succeeded in 2024 during the Senate's review of the immigration law, with a favorable opinion from then-Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin. The provision called for a 3,750 euro fine but was censored by the Constitutional Council as a legislative rider.
Marine Le Pen's group revived the 2024 provision to push the right to back its bill. As expected, the Republicans, increasingly willing to support far-right proposals, endorsed it. In a rare move, Horizons deputies, from Édouard Philippe's party, also provided support, citing the 'coherence' of their position.