Macron Proposes National Referendum on Migration Policy
French President Emmanuel Macron has called for a national referendum regarding the significant migration policy affecting France, despite support from the Home Minister for a public vote on the matter.
In a recent interview with TF1, Macron indicated plans to “organize several referendums in the coming months” on various topics. This approach aims to tackle contentious issues that have arisen due to the current deadlock in the three-way split national assembly, as suggested by the new Prime Minister, François Bailloux.
While Macron did not specify which policies would warrant public consultation, he ruled out contentious referendums related to pension reform and immigration. He expressed doubt about the constitutionality of holding national votes on immigration, stating that such matters are “not within the scope” of the French Constitution.
According to Article 11 of the Constitution, the President can hold public votes on matters concerning “the economic or social policy of the nation.” While immigration does influence the nation’s economic and social landscape, its specific mention in terms of referendums remains ambiguous, raising questions about their legality.
However, proponents, including Home Minister Bruno Reciroh, argue that the Parliament could amend the constitution to facilitate direct public votes on immigration issues. In a weekend interview with Le Journal du Dimanche, Reciroh noted, “For half a century, there hasn’t been a single phenomenon that disrupted our society this much. Therefore, it is legal to ask French citizens if they are ready to embrace the social, cultural, and economic consequences of immigration and whether they still support this model.” He emphasized the need for a democratic clarification.
In 2021, official government data indicated that approximately 7 million immigrants resided in France, making up about 10% of the country’s population. This figure excludes significant numbers of third- and fourth-generation immigrants from former French colonies like Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia, often referred to as the “Magrevi” communities from North Africa.
Concerns about Islamic terrorism and ethnic tensions have surged in France. This includes the widespread riots in 2023 following the death of a 17-year-old of Moroccan and Algerian descent in Nanterre, a suburb of Paris known for its considerable ethnic minority populations.
The call for a migration referendum aligns with the longstanding demand from Marine Le Pen’s populist National Rally party. Jordan Valdera, the RN president, stated that an official vote represents the “healthiest form of democracy,” allowing citizens to shape their future.
Many French citizens appear to favor a national vote on immigration. A recent survey showed that 71% of respondents support such a referendum, although 57% doubt that Macron will initiate one.
General skepticism regarding the legitimacy of referendums is prevalent in France. Many believe it’s unlikely that Macron will pursue public votes, with significant portions thinking that if such votes occur, they may simply be a tactic to regain political control at a time when his authority is perceived to be weakened.
Concerns over the validity of any proposed referendum are not unfounded, considering the backlash against the last referendum in 2005 regarding the European constitution treaty. Although the treaty was rejected, many felt the political elite sidestepped the public’s choice by signing the Lisbon Convention without consultation.
