After announcing plans to hold a referendum in 2025, President Emmanuel Macron continues to fine-tune the topics that might be put to the French people. While the specific issues remain under discussion, three topics have emerged as potential candidates: end-of-life care, work, and social media—though immigration, a major concern for many, is notably absent. Under France’s constitution, the result of such a referendum would carry legal weight.
Macron first mentioned the idea during his New Year’s Eve speech, saying he wanted to give the French the power to decide on “decisive” issues, without elaborating. This is not the first time he’s promised a referendum since his 2017 election, but it’s believed that this time, it may actually happen. The last referendum, held in 2005 by President Sarkozy on the EU Constitutional Treaty, was rejected by voters. Now, Macron’s team remains hopeful that he will follow through, with a consultation likely set for spring.
Though details are still in the works, the president seems to have zeroed in on a few key issues. One is limiting social media use for minors under 15. Macron has long expressed concerns about the harmful effects of screen exposure on children, and France was among the first to impose restrictions on minors accessing pornographic content. A referendum on this issue would align with these previous efforts.
The second issue revolves around work. Former Prime Minister Gabriel Attal, now head of Macron’s party, has emphasized the need for a referendum to “change our model” and “give working French people a break.” However, this issue is broad, covering everything from the labor market to social policies. It’s unclear how a yes-or-no vote could resolve such a complex subject, but some suggest it could address the financing of social services or focus on issues like retirement age, which has sparked heated debates in recent years.
Lastly, Macron has expressed interest in a referendum on euthanasia, aiming to settle the ongoing debates in the National Assembly. Though the French constitution typically restricts referendums to issues related to public authority organization and economic or social policies, Macron’s team has reportedly consulted the Constitutional Council, which might offer a more flexible interpretation. A successful referendum on euthanasia could serve as a political victory for Macron, who has faced setbacks since his second term began, and it could help him overcome tensions with Prime Minister Élisabeth Borne, who opposes the idea. Macron hopes that linking euthanasia to palliative care could win over critics.
However, one issue Macron has ruled out is immigration, despite public demand for a referendum on the matter, particularly from right-wing voters. Macron argues that such a referendum would be constitutionally unfeasible, despite multiple polls showing widespread support for it. While some of his allies, like Interior Minister Bruno Retailleau, favor it, Macron remains firm in his stance.
