The French Parliament passed a bill aimed at toughening legislation against antisemitism, racism, and xenophobia, particularly concerning foreigners seeking French nationality.
The bill, which still requires Senate approval, was adopted with 154 votes in favour, 72 against, and 43 abstentions. Its primary goal is to deny naturalisation, citizenship, or even residency to foreigners convicted of discriminatory acts based on race, religion, or national origin.
This law, proposed by Republican MP Éric Pauget, comes as France faces a worrying surge in antisemitic incidents. In the first half of 2024, antisemitic acts increased by 300% compared to the previous year. In 2023, France recorded 1,673 antisemitic attacks, with 887 occurring in the first half of 2024 alone. While Jews make up roughly 1% of the French population, they account for 57% of racist and anti-religious assaults reported in the country. This alarming trend includes a 400% rise in antisemitic incidents in schools and a staggering 1,200% increase in antisemitic demonstrations over the last academic year.
The bill highlights the need to revise the legal framework to better combat the rise of hate and discriminatory speech. According to its proponents, strengthening legal measures is crucial to ensuring a more effective judicial response to the resurgence of antisemitic acts. “These behaviours, contrary to the humanist values of our Republic, must render their foreign perpetrators ineligible for French nationality,” the text states.
The measure draws inspiration from legislation enacted on 27 June, explicitly excluding individuals with racist, antisemitic, or xenophobic views from naturalisation.
A similar legal framework has recently been introduced in Germany, where citizenship tests now include questions designed to screen out individuals with antisemitic views, particularly regarding the Holocaust, Judaism, and Israel.
