Unions oppose immigration law

Marylise Leon and Sophie Binet, general secretaries of the CFDT and the CGT respectively, the largest and second largest union confederations in France, have signed a joint appeal opposing the new immigration law in France.

The legislation is far-reaching, requiring, among other things, five years' residence in France as a condition of accessing some social benefits, and ending the automatic right to citizenship for someone born in France to non-French parents.

The appeal calls it a "dangerous turning point in the history of our Republic ... written at the dictation of those who trade in hate".

The law was adopted in parliament in December but has not yet been enacted.

There have already been two major demonstrations against it on 14 and 21 January.