French Assembly Debates Controversial Social Housing Reform Proposal

The proposed law seeks to tighten income thresholds and eviction criteria, facing strong opposition over concerns about social diversity and equity.

The National Assembly is debating a proposal to lower income thresholds and introduce stricter eviction rules for social housing tenants, aiming to free up 30,000 units.
Critics, including left-wing parties and housing professionals, argue the reform undermines social diversity and risks creating ghettos in disadvantaged areas.
Amendments have been introduced to exempt priority urban areas and preserve social diversity, but opposition remains significant across political and advocacy groups.
The proposal, spearheaded by former Housing Minister Guillaume Kasbarian, is framed as addressing a severe housing shortage, with 2.7 million households waiting for social housing.
Far-right groups have submitted nationalist amendments, further polarizing the debate, while centrists struggle to rally support for the original version of the law.