FRENCH REFERENDUM: PM considers national vote as Macron DESPERATE to quell unrest

Monday, December 17, 2018
By Paul Martin

FRENCH Prime Minister Edouard Philippe on Sunday promised there would be a debate on the holding of a so-called “citizens’ initiative referendum” to help decide government policy, one of the “yellow vest” protesters’ key demands.

By ROMINA MCGUINNESS
Express.co.uk
Mon, Dec 17, 2018

In a bid to end the violent protest movement, the French government last week announced a package of measures for low-income workers that will cost up to 10 billion euros (£9bn). And Mr Philippe said in an interview with Les Echos newspaper when asked about demands for a national vote: “I don’t see how anyone could be against this in principle. Referendums can be a good instrument in a democracy.” The prime minister stressed a citizens’ initiative referendum had to be held in the right conditions and answer a specific question.

Mr Philippe also admitted that President Emmanuel Macron’s government had “made mistakes” in its handling of the “yellow vest” crisis, and “not listened enough to the French people”.

He said: “I have no doubt at all that [the French] want us to transform this country. And they must know that I share their impatience. We will continue to fix the country but involve them more closely in decision-making.”

The “yellow vest” protest movement – named after the high-visibility jackets all French motorists must carry – was born on November 17 out of a backlash against planned carbon tax hikes, but has tapped into a broader frustration at the perceived squeeze in purchasing power and Mr Macron’s alleged indifference to the everyday struggles of ordinary citizens.

Many of the protesters have targeted Mr Macron personally, urging him to step down and attacking his background as an investment banker and economy minister.

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