Macron Suggests Potential Referendum, Reviving Longstanding Pattern of Unfulfilled Promises

In his New Year’s address, the French president hinted at consulting the public on unspecified issues, continuing a history of referencing referendums without follow-through.

• French President Emmanuel Macron hinted at the possibility of a referendum during his New Year’s address, though he provided no specific details on topics or timing.
• Macron has previously floated the idea of referendums multiple times since 2017, including during the Gilets Jaunes protests and on constitutional changes for climate action, none of which materialized.
• Analysts suggest that any potential referendum would likely focus on secondary or non-controversial issues, avoiding challenges to Macron’s centrist agenda or core policies.
• The president’s mention of a referendum may be an attempt to navigate political instability, including a fragmented National Assembly and diminishing public confidence in his leadership.
• Critics argue that Macron’s repeated references to referendums, without concrete action, risk undermining public trust in his ability to deliver on such promises.

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