French Government Divided Over Proposed Changes to Birthright Citizenship

Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin's call to end automatic nationality for children born in France to foreign parents faces resistance within the government and criticism from opposition parties.

Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin has proposed ending automatic French nationality for children born in France to foreign parents, suggesting they must actively apply for citizenship at a later age.
Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau supports the proposal, emphasizing the need for assimilation and adherence to French values and principles, but his comments have sparked accusations of xenophobia and racism.
Opposition figures, including former President François Hollande and members of the left-wing parties, argue that the proposed changes undermine republican principles and cater to far-right rhetoric.
Marine Le Pen of the Rassemblement National has called for a referendum to abolish birthright citizenship entirely, framing it as a long-standing issue requiring direct public input.
The proposal has caused divisions within the Macron government, with figures like Prime Minister François Bayrou advocating for a broader debate on French identity, while others, including Economy Minister Eric Lombard, oppose altering existing laws.