More than 75,000 march across France to condemn 'racist' immigration law
The protesters, who claimed that the law was "racist" and targeted immigrants and French citizens with dual citizenship, stated that everyone living in the country should be granted a residence permit.
People hold placards during a citizen march against a controversial immigration law, surnamed "Darmanin law," in Paris, France. / Photo: Reuters
Protests against France's contentious immigration law have taken place in various cities nationwide, with the capital being the focal point.
A demonstration that kicked off at Trocadero Square in Paris on Sunday saw the participation of trade unions and lawmakers from the far-left La France Insoumise (LFI, or France Unbowed) party, including Mathilde Panot, Thomas Portes and Rachel Keke.
The protesters, claiming the law to be "racist" and directed at immigrants and French citizens with dual nationality, called for granting residence permits to everyone residing in the country.
Due to the demonstration, various metro stations such as Concorde and Tuileries were closed.
Aujourd’hui ce sont 150 000 personnes de tous horizons qui ont marché dans toute la France contre la loi de la honte. Nous étions 25 000 à paris, 10 000 à Marseille, 6000 à Lyon, 5000 à Nantes, Lille et Grenoble et aussi 80 à Groix et 85 à Belle Île ! #21janvier pic.twitter.com/QTSEPyMewf
— Sophie Binet (@BinetSophie) January 21, 2024
Sophie Binet, general secretary of the General Confederation of Labour (CGT), said on X that a total of 150,000 people marched nationwide, including 25,000 in Paris, to express their opposition to the immigration law.
According to reports in the French press, the Ministry of the Interior announced that 16,000 people participated in the demonstrations in Paris and 75,000 nationwide.
The immigration law, approved in Parliament on December 19, 2023, links rental support and family allowances provided to foreigners living in the country to certain employment conditions.
According to the law, employed foreigners can benefit from rental support three months after arriving in France, while non-working individuals can avail themselves of rental support after five years.
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