France's Drug Law Faces Fierce Debate

Published: 2025-03-18

France's proposed anti-drug trafficking law, initially passed unanimously in the Senate, faces intense scrutiny as it moves to the National Assembly.

The law aims to combat the surge in drug trafficking, with cocaine seizures up 130% in a year.

However, critics argue that some measures, like withholding investigative techniques from defense lawyers, threaten public freedoms.

The creation of a specialized anti-drug prosecution office, Pnaco, has also sparked debate over its location and implementation timeline.

Meanwhile, housing advocates oppose provisions allowing tenant expulsions for activities near rental properties.

With over 665 amendments tabled, the week-long debate is set to test the law's future.