A previous citizenship ceremony in Paris was held at the Panthéon.
New citizens given welcome pack
In most cases, these ceremonies are organised by the departmental prefecture, however in Paris it is the responsibility of the police prefecture and the ceremony was presided over by the prefect in charge of immigration, Mireille Larrède.
The police prefecture said holding the event in "an emblematic place" such as the Louvre "confers a particular solemnity" to the occasion.
As can be seen in the video new citizens receive a welcome pack, which includes:
A welcome letter from the President of the Republic
An information leaflet on the organisation of public authorities and the rights and duties of citizens (charter of the rights and duties of French citizens)
1789 Declaration of the Rights of Man and of the Citizen
Extracts from the Constitution of the Fifth Republic
Text of the national anthem (La Marseillaise)
This last one was of particular importance for attendees at the ceremony in the Louvre, as a rendition of the anthem was sung by the Chœur de l’Armée Française and Orchestre de la Garde Républicaine.
The ceremony does not confer citizenship, but is a chance for new citizens to be "welcomed" as French and to mark this life event. The actual citizenship is conferred via a publication in le Journal Officiel (for the naturalisation process) or from the point at which a person applying via déclaration (such as by marriage) is officially registered as French.
Citizenship rule changes on horizon
New changes included as part of the 2024 immigration bill mean those applying for French citizenship, including a spouse, will soon be required to show proficiency in the language at a higher level (B2) than currently (B1).
The changes must come into force no later than January 1, 2026.
In addition, Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau is in favour of introducing a new examination on French culture and history to replace the current interview-style format.
