News Digest: Last Push for France’s Immigration Bill, Festive Closures & a Rainy Christmas?

After a notably dry summer and autumn, France’s recent rainy spell has had a positive effect on France’s water reserves, which were still worryingly low at the end of September. Météo-France reported record rainfall in October and November, with the BRGM (the Bureau de Recherches Géologiques et Minières who are responsible for monitoring France’s groundwater reserves) stating as of December that almost half of the country’s reserves had now been restored to ‘above-average’ levels, with 20% at “very high” levels.

This is good news for environmentalists and agricultural businesses, although it hasn’t been so well received by residents who have been less-than-pleased with the dreary winter weather. Unfortunately, flooding has also been a problem in some areas, particularly in the Charente and Charente-Maritime departments, which both suffered major flooding over the weekend, leading to more than 200 people being evacuated from their homes.

Here’s to hoping the festive season will bring some milder weather.

We reported last week that France’s controversial Immigration Bill, which has dominated headlines over the past few weeks, was rejected by the Assemblée Nationale. However, Macron’s determination to push the bill through has seen a series of “intense talks” take place throughout last week. Yesterday, a joint panel of 14 Senators and MPs began debating a possible review of the bill that—if agreed upon—will be put to a vote later today (Tuesday, December 19th)

Unfortunately, we’re going to press too early to find out the results of the debate, but it seems that there is still hope for Macron’s immigration bill.

French schools will be breaking up for their annual Christmas holidays this week, with all three school zones closing on Friday, December 22nd. The end-of-term break lasts for two weeks, with schools reopening on Monday, January 8.

If you’re spending Christmas week in France, it’s worth noting that Christmas Eve, which isn’t normally a bank holiday, falls on a Sunday this year, so some shops may be closed, while Christmas Day is a jour férié, meaning most shops and supermarkets will be closed—however, many boulangeries and florists will still open in the morning.

Some smaller shops and businesses may also close or have reduced hours over the Christmas holidays, so be sure to double-check opening times.

With the festive season upon us, we’ll be taking a little break from our Tuesday News Digests for the next couple of weeks. Don’t worry; our weekly newsletter will still be filled with great content to keep you busy over the holidays, including our top predictions for 2024 and a look forward to some of the changes happening in France next year, so keep a lookout for that.

To everyone who celebrates, have a wonderful Christmas and New Year, and we’ll see you in 2024!