Overview
- The Socialist-sponsored bill passed in first reading by 98 votes to 37 during the group’s allotted parliamentary day.
- It would automatically renew multi-year permits of up to four years and ten-year resident cards unless authorities demonstrate legal grounds to refuse.
- Interior junior minister Marie-Pierre Vedrenne opposed the mechanism, citing legal and constitutional risks and warning it would not reduce backlogs.
- Backers led by MP Colette Capdevielle note that more than 99% of renewals are already granted and say delays trigger losses of jobs, housing and health coverage.
- Having cleared the lower house, the proposal must now be scheduled for examination in the Senate, where opposition is expected.