French President Emmanuel Macron announced in a letter the holding of an unprecedented “major national debate”. This announcement follows ten weeks of unstoppable riots in the country. Firstly pointing at the spike in prices in taxation on oil and gas, French protesters, called ‘The Gilets Jaunes’ are now going in the streets for many different claims: prohibition of glyphosate, reduction in the salary of elected officials, some groups even want death penalty back.
Until the 15th of March, Citizens will be asked to express their opinions on four themes: taxation and public expenditure, the organisation of the State and public services, ecological transition and democracy and citizenship.
Everyone can organise a debate, whether in the neighbourhood, village or regional level. ‘Organizational kits’ will be available to all. A digital platform will be set up to make an online decision. Conferences of citizens drawn by lot will also be organised in each region.
Even though every question can be asked in the debates, there will be no change in the law regarding abortion right, same-sex marriage or the abolition of the death penalty. French President also said government“will not go back on the measures [it has] taken to encourage investment and make work pay.”_thumbnail.jpg)
