France's End‑of‑Life Law Draws Criticism Over Premature Constitutional Referral

Deputy Marc Ferracci, a close ally of President Emmanuel Macron, criticised Prime Minister Sébastien Lecornu for referring the end‑of‑life assistance law to the Constitutional Council before parliament had voted on it. The law, which creates a right to assisted dying, was formally adopted by the French Parliament on Wednesday. Lecornu announced the referral on Tuesday, prompting Ferracci to say he did not understand why the government would intervene "the day before" the vote.

Other political figures also expressed concern about the timing. Senate President Gérard Larcher, LR senators and National Assembly President Yaël Braun‑Pivet also lodged referrals or criticised the premature move. The government's filing focuses on the reflection period for patients, safeguards for protected adults and an individual‑conscience clause that would prevent private institutions from opting out of the new right.