The recent passage of a bill tightening soil rights in Mayotte sparked intense debate in the assembly, marked by suspensions and heated exchanges. Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin expressed relief over its approval, despite opposition from the left. The legislation modifies nationality acquisition rules for children born in Mayotte, increasing residency requirements. Critics argue the bill undermines republican rights, while discussions on immigration policies in the region are reignited, with further legislative proposals expected soon.
Contentious Adoption of Soil Rights Legislation in Mayotte
Following the narrow approval of the state budget, the government aimed to implement measures focused on ‘order’ and ‘authority.’ However, this objective faced significant backlash in the hemicycle during a particularly heated session. On Thursday, a bill designed to tighten restrictions on soil rights in Mayotte was passed, but not without considerable drama.
After several session suspensions, reminders of parliamentary conduct, and a flurry of insults, the legislation proposed by the right was ultimately approved in the early evening. The votes came from both Macronists and the National Rally party, despite fierce opposition from the left, which, while unable to block the proposal, showcased a degree of unity following major strategic disagreements regarding the budgetary texts.
Ministerial Insights and Legislative Changes
Justice Minister Gérald Darmanin, who was present throughout the day, expressed relief to the media that the bill was adopted despite what he termed ‘parliamentary obstruction’ primarily from La France insoumise (LFI). Darmanin personally supports the total repeal of soil rights in Mayotte, asserting the need for a national debate on the issue and suggesting that constitutional reform may be necessary, either through a referendum or during the presidential elections in 2027.
Laurent Wauquiez, the head of the LR group, hailed the legislation as a ‘first step’ and called for further measures in Mayotte and beyond. The current bill modifies existing regulations that have been in place since 2018, complicating the acquisition of French nationality for children born in Mayotte by requiring both parents to have resided regularly in France at the time of birth for three years, rather than just one parent for three months as previously stipulated.
In the midst of the chaotic session, left-wing deputies inadvertently voted for an amendment that extended the residency requirement from one year to three years. Darmanin indicated he would seek to amend this error in the Senate due to potential censure from the Constitutional Council. However, he opted not to provoke a second reading, with the majority of deputies—including those from LR and some of the EPR—opposing it.
Critics, including LFI deputy Eric Coquerel, condemned the bill as an erosion of republican rights, enabled by far-right votes. In response to the immigration issues stemming from the neighboring Comoros, RN leader Marine Le Pen argued the measures do not adequately address the challenge of illegal immigration.
As the debates continue, the bill has reignited discussions on immigration policies within the Indian Ocean region. An emergency reconstruction law for Mayotte is expected to be finalized by Parliament soon, with a more comprehensive legislative proposal anticipated in the spring, which will follow the soil rights bill.