The Constitutional Council on Thursday upheld a provision in the 2026 budget bill that excludes non-European and non-scholarship students from receiving personalized housing assistance. The text notably includes a requirement of at least two years' residence in France, the details of which will be specified by decree.
The measure was contested by several left-wing groups, who saw it as a form of "national preference" contrary to the principle of equality. Student associations and the Housing Foundation also submitted proposals denouncing an increased risk of financial hardship for international students.
A general interest objective was selected
In their decision, the judges considered that the legislature was pursuing an objective of general interest by seeking to control the growth of spending related to housing benefits. They reiterated that the principle of equality does not prohibit treating different situations differently or making exceptions for reasons of general interest.
The Constitutional Council, however, qualified its decision with an interpretative reservation, emphasizing that the application of the law must respect the principles enshrined in the preamble to the Constitution, notably the Nation's obligation to guarantee everyone adequate means of subsistence. The decision has drawn criticism from student organizations, which fear increased precariousness and student dropout rates.
