Government debate on birthright citizenship in France

Monday 10 February 2025 - 11:16

The discussion surrounding the reconsideration of birthright citizenship continues to divide the French government, with some officials calling for a national referendum on immigration—a demand strongly supported by the far-right.

During a televised interview on Sunday, Economy Minister Eric Lombard expressed his opposition to altering the current birthright citizenship laws, stating that the existing legal framework is satisfactory. His stance contrasts with that of Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau and Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin, who have recently advocated for restricting access to French nationality under this principle.

Lombard’s position, aligned with concerns previously raised by Prime Minister Elisabeth Borne, has contributed to growing internal discord within the government. In response, government spokesperson Sophie Primas downplayed the apparent division, characterizing it as a sign of diverse perspectives rather than disunity.

Meanwhile, Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Roland Lescure openly rejected any changes to birthright citizenship, distancing himself from Retailleau and Darmanin. In contrast, the Justice Minister argued that acquiring French nationality should not be automatic. Currently, the law allows children born in France to foreign parents to obtain citizenship at age 13, provided they have lived in the country for at least five years.

Darmanin, however, suggested that the government does not need to make an immediate decision on the issue, as it is likely to be addressed in the upcoming presidential election.

Broader Concerns and Political Reactions

The debate has further expanded with centrist politician François Bayrou questioning the broader concept of French identity, asking what it means to be French and what rights and responsibilities come with it.

Prime Minister Gabriel Attal has attempted to maintain balance, emphasizing his role in ensuring a fair and measured discussion. However, some members of the ruling party have voiced concerns over the timing of this debate. Lescure criticized the focus on national identity at a time when pressing global issues, such as economic competition and climate change, demand attention.

Former President François Hollande also dismissed the discussion as unnecessary, arguing that engaging in such debates only strengthens the far-right narrative. Socialist Party leader Olivier Faure, however, contended that discussing national identity should not be seen as a taboo subject.

Call for a Referendum and Public Opinion

Far-right leader Marine Le Pen has seized on the issue, demanding a public referendum on immigration policies, particularly birthright citizenship. She criticized the prolonged debate, asserting that it is time for a public vote rather than continued discussions.

A recent survey indicated that 74% of French citizens support a public consultation on various aspects of immigration policy, such as foreign nationals' access to housing and social benefits. However, the survey did not specifically address birthright citizenship.

President Emmanuel Macron previously hinted at plans to involve the public in key decisions through referendums in 2025. However, government spokesperson Sophie Primas dismissed the idea of holding an immigration referendum at this time, warning that such a move could be exploited politically in an already tense national climate.