"French Constitutional Council Strikes Down Controversial Immigration Law"

France's Constitutional Council has rejected more than a third of articles in a controversial immigration bill, including measures toughening access to social benefits, family reunification, and immigration quotas. The bill, initially presented by President Emmanuel Macron's government, faced criticism for contentious additions made under pressure from the political right and far right. The ruling was welcomed by Interior Minister Gerald Darmanin but slammed by the far-right National Rally party, which called for a referendum on immigration as the "only solution." The United Nations special rapporteur on racism also criticized the bill, saying it violates France's constitutional commitment to equality and liberty.