what use do Emmanuel Macron and Marine Le Pen plan to make of the referendum?

Between Emmanuel Macron and Marine Le Pen, each envisages a different use of the referendum. If the president-candidate relies on limited use, the candidate of the National Rally wishes to use it massively, to revitalize democratic life. His first referendum would concern priority to the French, for allowances such as the RSA. The national preference being contrary to the Constitution, it wishes to modify it by referendum.

She also wishesestablish the citizens’ initiative referendum”widely acclaimed by the Yellow Vests. It would be triggered from 500,000 signatures, which is a very low threshold. Many jurists, however, argue that it is impossible to change the Constitution without the green light of Parliament. Jean Philippe Derosierprofessor of public law at the University of Lille (North)evokes a “constitutional coup” and “a direct violation of the Constitution”. For his part, Emmanuel Macron never resorted to the referendum during his five-year term. To strengthen democracy, it relies primarily on major debates and citizens’ conventions.