French Senate President to Refer Assisted Dying Law to Constitutional Council

French Senate President Gérard Larcher has decided to refer the assisted dying bill to the Constitutional Council, citing concerns over insufficient safeguards for vulnerable individuals. In an interview with Le Figaro, Larcher expressed his opposition to the current legislative process, calling it a "game of deception."

Larcher, a member of the conservative Les Républicains party, argued that the bill, scheduled for a vote in the National Assembly on July 15, lacks the necessary protections for those most at risk. He believes the government should suspend the vote and reconsider the legislation.

"Face à l’absence de «garde-fous», notamment pour les plus faibles, le président LR du Sénat appelle le gouvernement à refuser le «jeu de dupes» actuel en renonçant au vote prévu le 15 juillet à l’Assemblée et en suspendant le texte," Larcher stated, emphasizing his call for a halt to the proceedings and a thorough review.