French Lawmakers Cracking Down on Drug Traffickers

nytimes.comPublished: 4/29/2025

Summary

French lawmakers have passed a bill aimed at combating illegal drug trafficking by strengthening penalties and empowering law enforcement. The bill, which secured 396 votes in favor against 68 against, marks a rare legislative success in France’s divided National Assembly. Led by Prime Minister François Bayrou, it provides new tools for prosecutors and police but faces challenges from political fractures within the parliament.