Emmanual Macron is facing a major political test, as plans for new migration legislation could end up being a major threat to the French leader's authority if it fails.
The French President has put forward a highly contentious immigration bill, which includes measures to legalize some undocumented workers and speed up the removal of failed asylum seekers and migrants who have committed crimes on French soil.
Macron is facing a growing threat from Marine Le Pen's National Rally
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The legislation, which is currently facing scrutiny from French senators, has been designed to embody "toughness and simplicity", French Interior Minister Gérald Darmanin said.
Giving his opening remarks at the Senate yesterday, Darmanin said the measures are both "tough against [foreign] delinquents", while being inspired by "humanity".
Macron, who is facing a growing threat from Marine Le Pen's National Rally, needs to secure a victory on migration in order to stave off the challenge from the far-right.
A defeat would serve as a major boost to the opposition and would contribute to mounting speculation that Macron has become a lame-duck president.
The President is facing a battle in the National Assembly, where his party has lost its absolute majority.
He will also have to convince the Senate - which is dominated by the opposition - to back the legislation.
If he fails to secure backing for the legislation, he could force it through using the unpopular Article 49.3.
This mechanism bypasses a vote in parliament, but it also allows the opposition to table motions of no-confidence, which could topple the French leader.
September's Senate elections saw Le Pen gain three seats amid a growing right-wing rave sweeping across Europe.
The election served as a major blow to Macron, as the only member of his government running in the election - Secretary of State for Citizenship Sonia Backès - was defeated in the French territory of New Caledonia.
The Senate is indirectly elected by France's mayors as well as regional, departmental and municipal councillors. Half of the Senate's 348 seats were being contested.
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If Macron fails to secure backing for the legislation, he could force it through using the unpopular Article 49.3.
PA
While the Senate has less influence over legislating than the National Assembly, the lower house of parliament, it is the assembly which has the last word in cases of disagreement over legislation.
Given Macron's party lost its majority in June last year, senators have more power when compromise is necessary with the upper house to pass legislation.
