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On 13 September, French Minister for Immigration Eric Besson announced that he would not authorize the application of a law, which would require DNA tests for immigrants whose right to reside in France is based on family reunification statutes. "I am unable (…) to respect either the spirit or the letter of the law," announced Minister Besson, a former member of the Socialist Party, who believes that France's diplomatic service can not guarantee the confidentiality of the DNA data in question. His decision, which has been warmly welcomed by anti-racism groups, "has prompted an outcry on the right," reports Le Figaro. The leaders of the majority are outraged that Besson did not inform parliament before announcing his decision on a major private radio station. "If the application of a law poses a problem, the government must inform parliament," insists the President of the UMP group in the French Senate.
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