After mass protests by the „yellow vests“, France’s head of state Emmanuel Macron called on French citizens to participate in large numbers in the „national debate“.
They should be able to express their criticism and make suggestions for reform – with rounds of talks taking place over several weeks throughout the country. Macron expressed understanding of citizens‘ discontent and anger: „I share this impatience,“ the 41-year-old wrote in a letter to the French, as the Elysee Palace announced last night.
Debate until mid-March
The debate should last until 15 March. The following month he would then report on the results of the talks, announced the Macron under pressure during the protests under pressure. The „yellow vests“ oppose the reform policies of the middle government, and some are calling for Macron’s resignation.
According to the will of the government, the debate should revolve around four major topics: taxes and public spending, state organization, ecological change and democracy – this includes the irritating topic of immigration. Macron listed nearly three dozen individual questions in his letter.
