French President Emmanuel Macron said on Tuesday that he was supporting the announcement of several referendum on one day for voters to decide on social and economic reforms.
In an interview with TF1, Macron confirmed that he supports the intention to organize a series of plebiscites. He added that these votes would take place in one day and in the coming months, which will concern important economic and social reforms.
Macron added that he is also open to Prime Minister Francois Bayrou, who wants to organize a referendum on a debt reduction plan.
According to Macron, referendums could also deal with social reforms such as access to social media for persons under 15 years of age and assisted death. In connection with this, he recalled that the Parliament – the National Assembly – began the debate on the end of life, which should result in the adoption of the bill on the aid “to leave with dignity”. He admitted that if a stalemate occurred in Parliament, “a referendum could be a way to break it” and how to make the French and French to comment on the topic.
Rejected referendum topics
Macron, however, refused to be the subject of a referendum of immigration issues, as the right and the far right in France repeatedly ask.
He also refused to organize a referendum on the abolition of pension reform. “We did not accept this reform lightly; we did it to save our continuous (pension) system,” Macron argued. He added that Prime Minister Bayra initiated a meeting with some social partners. “I let the government and the trade unions work. If they can improve things, the better,” Macron added to margo changes in the pension system.
Regarding delicate social problems, Macron spoke against the wearing of religious symbols in sports competitions, but added that in the case of non -competitive sports there is a decision on sports federations.
In a television interview, Macron also spoke about foreign policy – about his attitude to the Russian invasion in Ukraine. He said that “the moment we are experiencing is the moment of geopolitical awakening,” and assured that “we do not want to trigger the third world conflict.” He said that after the end of the war in Ukraine he is “ready to talk” to Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Criticism of Israel and Netanyahua
He also commented on the situation in the Middle East, but especially the war by Israel in the Palestinian Gaza Strip, while Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu accused the “unacceptable” and “shameful” behavior of blocking the help of the Palestinians in this enclave.
“There is no water, there are no medication, injured cannot get out, doctors cannot get in. What he does is shameful,” Macron told TF1 TV about Netanyahua and his reign.
The French President explained that “President Donald (USA) Trump has levers” to Israel. He added that he had a hard interview with Netanyahu on the procedure of the Israeli army and political decisions of the Israeli government. Macron admitted that Israel’s attitude was angry. However, he pointed out that Israel is not addicted to France, but “on American weapons.”
Regarding the dependence of Europe on the United States, Macron said that the US’s interest in Europe is declining, “especially since (US troops) unilaterally withdrew from Afghanistan. NATO alliance, but must try to achieve more autonomy.
The future of Macron in office
When asked whether the 47-year-old Macron currently wanted to re-apply for a presidential position, the politician said that he was not thinking about his future after 2027, when his second term of office ends.
AFP recalled that Macron will no longer be able to apply for another presidential mandate after two consecutive terms in 2027. Theoretically, however, he could return to the Elysee Palace in the elections in 2032. Until now, none of the French presidents did not proceed.
The political opposition responds
In the meantime, Macron’s performance on television has already triggered criticism of opposition politicians: a spokeswoman for the far right -wing national association (RN) Laure Lavalelette described him as “confusing communication exercise” and accused the president of wanting to be on television because he was bored.
The leader of the far left-wing side of the stubborn France (LFI) Jean-Luc Mélenchon wrote on the X-Network Status that Macron “said nothing, did not propose anything” and that he tried to give the impression that in France “everything is fine.”
The chairwoman of the LFI Mathilde Group, Mathilde Macron, criticized that he was unable to designate Israel’s action from the Gaza Strip as genocide and not commenting on the crisis and unrest on the new Caledonia, which is the French overseas territory lying in the Pacific Ocean.
