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French Senate backs enshrining right to abortion in constitution

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The French Senate has overwhelmingly approved a constitutional amendment to solidify women’s right to abortion, following a similar endorsement by the National Assembly. The vote, with 267 in favor and 50 against, reflects growing pressure to strengthen abortion rights amidst concerns over erosion in allied nations like the US and Poland.

French President Emmanuel Macron has called for a special joint session of both houses of parliament, away from Paris, in Versailles, to vote on the amendment. If passed with a three-fifths majority, a referendum won’t be necessary. An Ifop poll from November 2022 indicated strong public support, with 86% favoring the amendment.

While all major political parties in France support abortion rights, there was a revision in the language of the amendment, changing from endorsing the “right” to abortion to advocating for the “freedom” to have one. This adjustment, calling for “guaranteed freedom,” was approved by the Senate.

President Macron has pledged to make women’s freedom to choose abortion “irreversible” by enshrining it in the constitution. Justice Minister Éric Dupond-Moretti hailed the move as historic, positioning France as the first country to constitutionally protect women’s freedom in deciding about their bodies.

Conservative senators expressed feeling pressured to approve the amendment, with one anonymously stating concerns about familial repercussions if she voted against it.

The backdrop to this decision includes ongoing debates in the US, where abortion rights have been challenged, leading to restrictions in many states, and in Poland, where a near-total ban on abortion was imposed by the Constitutional Court in 2020.

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Macron picks Attal, 34, as France’s youngest PM

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Gabriel Attal’s ascension to the position of France’s youngest prime minister at 34 marks a significant move by President Emmanuel Macron to reinvigorate his presidency. Attal, who currently serves as the education minister, has experienced a meteoric rise in politics, transitioning from an obscure health ministry adviser a decade ago to becoming the first openly gay occupant of Hôtel Matignon. His association with Macron and his reputation as a skilled debater played crucial roles in his swift political ascent.

However, Attal inherits a challenging political landscape characterized by a resurgent right-wing opposition, a lack of parliamentary majority, and a president struggling to articulate a clear vision for his second term. The appointment, while strategically made to infuse new energy into Macron’s administration, raises questions about whether Attal can provide the much-needed sense of purpose and direction demanded by the public.

As Attal takes on the role previously held by Élisabeth Borne, who faced difficulties during her 20-month tenure, he must confront not only external challenges but also assert his authority over influential figures within the government, such as Gérald Darmanin and Bruno Le Maire. Additionally, with the upcoming European elections posing a potential setback for Macron’s party, there is speculation about how Attal will navigate the political landscape should the party face significant losses.

While Attal is acknowledged as a class act, respected and liked in the National Assembly, questions linger about the substance of his political stance. Some critics perceive him as a reflection of Macron, raising concerns about whether he brings a unique perspective or is merely a protegé of the president. As France looks toward the future under its youngest-ever prime minister, the success of this appointment will be contingent on Attal’s ability to address the multifaceted challenges and provide a distinct identity to Macron’s presidency.

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Controversial French immigration law passes parliament

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The French parliament has recently passed a more stringent immigration law, culminating months of political negotiations. Both President Emmanuel Macron’s centrist Renaissance party and Marine Le Pen’s far-right National Rally (RN) supported the amended bill, creating a significant majority in the lower house. Despite accusations from the left that Macron made concessions to the far-right, the ruling party’s overwhelming majority rendered support from Le Pen unnecessary. Macron had underscored his reluctance to owe victory to the RN, expressing a preference for a new reading of the bill instead of relying on their backing.

Some key provisions in the new legislation include making it more challenging for migrants to bring family members to France and delaying their access to welfare benefits. These measures aim to address concerns related to immigration and welfare systems. An earlier draft of the bill failed when MPs from the far-left and far-right opposed it for different reasons, showcasing the contentious nature of immigration policy in France.

Human rights groups have strongly criticized the amended law, denouncing it as the most regressive immigration legislation in France in decades. Critics argue that the measures undermine fundamental values, raising concerns about the impact on vulnerable migrant populations. Despite the opposition, the bill received support from conservatives who applauded its firmness and courage in addressing immigration challenges.

While Marine Le Pen’s far-right National Rally welcomed the amended bill, left-wing voices expressed disappointment, accusing Macron of enabling the far-right and signaling a shift in the country’s history and fundamental values. French Communist Party leader Fabien Roussel argued that the legislation, directly inspired by RN’s anti-immigration stance, represented a concerning departure for the republic.

Emmanuel Macron’s centrist Renaissance party lost its majority in parliament in June 2022, leading to challenges in passing legislation. Since then, the government has frequently found itself unable to secure necessary votes in parliament, highlighting the complex political landscape surrounding immigration policy in France.

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Serbia’s Aleksandar Vucic claims big election victory for ruling party

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Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic has declared victory in snap parliamentary elections, with his Serbian Progressive Party projected to secure almost 47% of the vote, potentially gaining an absolute majority in the National Assembly. Opposition parties, part of the Serbia Against Violence (SPN) coalition, lagged behind with around 23% and alleged electoral fraud in favor of the government, calling for a recount.

While the SPN had hoped to win control of Belgrade in local elections, initial results showed the ruling party slightly ahead in the capital. The SPN claimed electoral fraud, demanding the annulment of the vote in Belgrade and hinting at possible protests. The ruling party has been in power since 2012, and despite opposition efforts, it appears set to maintain control.

Serbia, a candidate for EU membership, faces pressure to normalize relations with Kosovo, which declared independence in 2008. Ethnic Serbs in Kosovo crossed into Serbia to vote, adding a layer of complexity to the political landscape.

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