Macron Plans Multiple Referendums on Social, Economic Issues

French President Emmanuel Macron announced plans to organize multiple referendums simultaneously in the coming months on major economic, educational, and social reforms, excluding immigration and taxation issues which remain parliamentary prerogatives. He suggested that if parliamentary progress stalls on contentious topics like end-of-life legislation, a referendum could serve as a way to break deadlocks, though he expects parliamentary approval first. Macron dismissed the idea of a referendum on pension reform, urging unions to remain engaged in negotiations rather than withdrawing. Various topics have been floated for consultation including public finances, the regulation of screen time for youth, and local government restructuring, with Macron aiming to depersonalize the vote to avoid it becoming a referendum on his presidency. The referendum initiative aims to re-engage the French public following years of promises for direct consultations, with a possible vote scheduled for autumn. These plans reflect Macron's response to social crises and political blockages, seeking to empower citizens on key reforms while maintaining parliamentary authority over sensitive fiscal matters.