Mélenchon Vows to Repeal Anti-Squatting Law if Elected President

Jean-Luc Mélenchon, a candidate in the upcoming French presidential election, has vowed to repeal the current anti-squatting law, which he describes as "odious." Mélenchon argues that the law, enacted by the Macron administration, unfairly protects property owners and criminalizes homelessness. He plans to implement a policy that would ban evictions unless a suitable rehousing solution is provided for the evicted individuals.

This proposed measure would significantly complicate the eviction process for landlords. Currently, even with a lengthy and costly legal procedure to evict tenants who fail to pay rent or overstay their leases, the process can be further delayed by the need to find alternative housing. Mélenchon's plan would shift this responsibility to the prefect, potentially extending the rehousing period to several months and delaying property sales or re-rentals.

Guillaume Kasbarian, the author of the anti-squatting law, strongly opposes Mélenchon's stance. Kasbarian asserts that the law protects the fundamental right to private property and warns that Mélenchon's proposals would effectively legalize squatting, leading to "anarchy and ruin." The debate highlights a deep division over housing rights and property laws in France.

In addition to repealing the anti-squatting law, Mélenchon also intends to reintroduce rent controls, a measure currently in place but set to expire in November 2026. A recent report on rent controls suggested mixed results, citing a fragile institutional and statistical framework. Mélenchon stated that his administration would "requisition the necessary means" to resolve the housing crisis.

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La loi, que vous qualifiez d’«odieuse», protège un droit fondamental : la propriété privée. En interdisant les expulsions, vous voulez en réalité légaliser le squat. Vos propositions de malheur mènent à l’anarchie et à la ruine.