A referendum on the budget? François Bayrou's “admission of impotence”

Putting the French budget to a referendum. With his unexpected initiative, François Bayrou has surprised people in France, and even in the foreign press.

Following the interview given to the Journal du Dimanche on May 4, in which the Prime Minister suggested the possibility of "addressing citizens directly" on the recovery of public finances, international observers are divided on the subject.

"What François Bayrou is presenting to his compatriots resembles an admission of powerlessness in the face of Parliament," believes the Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung in Germany. ( FAZ ). Dependent on a National Assembly where, according to this conservative daily, the extremes of the right and left have become “so powerful that they make any reasonable compromise impossible,” the Prime Minister turns to the voters.

The FAZ adds: "If this bold maneuver works, it would be a great move for Bayrou: citizens could take on the responsibilities that frighten their elected officials and give them a clear mission."

However, this "comprehensive plan" for deficit reduction would aim to save no less than 40 billion euros for next year, which casts doubt on its chances of success.