France’s head of state wants to talk to the people in the face of weeks of protests against his policy. His goal: to turn „anger into solutions“.
French President Emmanuel Macron wants to reach the people in response to the ongoing protests of the „yellow west“ movement. He called for a „Citizens‘ Dialogue“ to discuss more than 35 topics ranging from taxes, democracy and environmental protection to immigration. Macron wrote in a letter to the French.
He wanted to turn „anger into solutions,“ Macron said. Citizens‘ proposals should help draft „a new treaty for the nation“ and „structure“ the work of the government and parliament as well as France’s positions in Europe and internationally.
First meeting on Tuesday
„Forbidden questions“ do not exist in the dialogue, stressed the president. However, there are red lines. Thus, for example, the right to asylum can not be called into question, even the partial cancellation of wealth tax will not be withdrawn. However, this is one of the demands of the „yellow vests“ movement.
Macron announced that it would present a report on the outcome one month after the end of the „Citizens Dialogue“ in mid-March. The president is planning a tour of France with numerous meetings with local politicians. The first should already take place on Tuesday.
The „yellow vests“ movement has been on the Macron government since November. With their nationwide rallies she demonstrates against tax and price increases as well as for improved purchasing power of the French. Originally, the movement was directed against high fuel prices and the planned eco tax on diesel. Later, the protest mixed with general discontent about the policy of the government.
