On 31st March 2025, Marine Le Pen, 8 MEPs, and 12 assistants were convicted of embezzlement for misappropriating €4 000 000 of European Parliament funds to fund National Front (their political party) staff. For Le Pen, the sentence was 4 years of prison (2 years suspended and 2 years with electronic monitoring), a €100 000 fine, and a 5-year ban on running for public office. The verdict is currently subject to appeal. For the purposes of this debate, assume that the appeal fails. 

For the purposes of this debate, 'political visa denials' includes denying visas/entry to, revoking visas of, and deporting non-citizens who have engaged in political activity deemed counter to a state. 

Throughout its history, France has had five republics with different constitutional arrangements (e.g. the powers of the executive and the legislature, the relationship between them, and how each is elected), generally drafted by an assembly and/or approved by referendum. 

The First Republic of France lasted from 1792 to 1804. The Second Republic lasted from 1848 to 1852. The Third Republic lasted from 1870 to 1940. The Fourth Republic lasted from 1946 to 1958. The Fifth Republic has lasted from 1958 to the present day. 

Central bank independence means that they operate without political interference. In this model, central banks' powers (e.g. setting interest rates, acting as a lender of last resort) and duties (e.g. ensuring stability) are defined by laws that are rarely amended. Leadership is appointed on a bipartisan, fixed-term basis and cannot be dismissed over policy disagreements. Most central banks are independent. 

Alternatively, central banks can be subject to political processes and operate like a government ministry/department.

The Cook Islands (pop. 15 000) is a self-governing Pacific island nation in free association with New Zealand. New Zealand is officially responsible for foreign policy and defence, and argues that it is to be consulted on defence and security issues. Cook Islanders hold New Zealand citizenship, and 80 000 Cook Islanders live in New Zealand. The last Cook Islands (annual) budget was €170 000 000, including €27 000 000 in foreign aid from New Zealand. Niue, another Pacific island nation, is also in free association with New Zealand. 

Recently, the Cook Islands signed a comprehensive strategic partnership with China. This prompted disapproval from New Zealand, particularly regarding a lack of consultation. The text of the agreement has not been released, but it is believed to include cooperation and investment in infrastructure, trade, tourism, and seabed mining. The Cook Islands have said that the agreement does not include debt, and assert that there are no security implications. 

Quebec is the only Francophone-majority province of Canada. The Quebec language laws aim to keep French as the sole official and common language of Quebec. Requirements include, with limited exceptions, that:

- French is the language of instruction in schools;

- Public services are offered only in French;

- Businesses are to operate in French, and employees cannot be made worse off for a lack of proficiency in any language other than French; and

- All signs, advertising, and product information must be in French, and this must be more prominent than any other languages if present.