Paris, France – French Interior Minister Laurent Nunez has voiced his support for reintroducing a bill that would extend the maximum detention period for migrants deemed a security risk to 210 days. The original proposal was previously struck down by the Constitutional Council in August.
In an interview with La Tribune Dimanche, Minister Nunez stated, “I am in favor of extending the maximum detention period to 210 days. My predecessor has redrafted the clauses that were invalidated by the Constitutional Council to ensure their compliance, and I am satisfied with this revised wording.”
He further explained that, pending approval from the Prime Minister’s office, the bill will be presented to Parliament by Charles Rodwell, a member of the Renaissance party. Currently, the maximum detention period in administrative detention centers is seven months, and this rule applies only to migrants convicted of terrorism-related offenses.
The initial bill, introduced by former Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau, was approved by Parliament in July. Its aim is to extend the detention period for migrants convicted of serious crimes or those considered a threat to public order and subject to deportation orders. The extension would increase the detention period in administrative centers from 90 days to 210 days.
However, the Constitutional Council subsequently ruled parts of the law unconstitutional, citing Article 66, which prohibits arbitrary detention. The Council also deemed the law incompatible with its stated objective of combating irregular immigration.
The reintroduction of this bill is expected to spark further debate regarding immigration policy and individual liberties within France.
