French President Emmanuel Macron said on Wednesday he “assumes” passage of a tough immigration law that has sparked an open crisis in his presidential majority, denying it was inspired by the far right and saying the French were “waiting” for the law.

The law, France’s 30th in four decades, is “the shield we lacked,” President Emmanuel Macron said in a guest appearance on France 5 television, a day after the passage of the right- and far-right-backed text that split the presidential majority, causing in particular, the resignation of the Minister of Health Aurelien Rousseau, reported France-Presse and Agerpres.

“I respect” his decision, the head of state said, before insisting on “responsibility” for governance.

“These duties bind us. We have to take responsibility for what was done yesterday, we also have to calm the spirit,” President Macron emphasized.

“Our compatriots have been waiting for this law,” said the French president, assessing that it is “very clearly” aimed at preventing the arrival of illegal immigrants. France has an “immigration problem,” but “we are not overwhelmed by immigration,” he said.

“Better integration through work”

Macron expressed his support for the “useful” text, which allows for “better integration through work” and will “regulate the situation of 7,000 to 10,000 people”.

However, the French president admitted that he does not agree with some provisions of the law, which will be referred to the Constitutional Council, referring in particular to the precautions that will now be required for foreign students. He resolutely rejected the idea that the provisions of the law have a far-right orientation.

5.1 million foreigners live in France legally, which is 7.6% of the population. The country also hosts more than half a million refugees. According to government estimates, there will be 600,000 to 700,000 illegal migrants, AFP notes.