I'm generally against protectionist policies. However, the lawmakers might view this as a tragedy of the commons situation. Perhaps the people believe that they

I'm generally against protectionist policies. However, the lawmakers might view this as a tragedy of the commons situation. Perhaps the people believe that they're better off if everyone in society collectively shops at small retailers that employ the locals, but any individual is better off defecting and getting a low price online harming society while helping themselves. In the same way, we still need pollution regulation even if we all agree pollution is harmful because to the individual much of the cost of pollution is borne by others. I personally don't believe that's the way to view this situation, but the French lawmakers might.