F. Bayrou mentions a referendum on deficits
To gain acceptance for a comprehensive deficit reduction plan, François Bayrou would like to consult the French people through a referendum. An idea that has been met with little response from the Élysée Palace and skepticism from the political class.
François Bayrou is once again making headlines about himself and debt, three weeks after his conference on public finances and the 40 billion euros needed to be found. In an interview with the Journal du Dimanche, he proposed holding a referendum to submit his spending reduction plans. This morning in Marseille, what is still only a hypothesis received a mixed reception. “ It's a very good idea, but politicians need to set an example ,” asserts one resident. “ I don't think a referendum is necessary for that. They should know what to do normally ,” retorts a passerby.
The left-wing opposition denounces this as a maneuver and the confiscation of a parliamentary prerogative. “ It's complete nonsense. He doesn't believe it himself because, on the one hand, technically, a budget cannot be submitted to a 'yes' or 'no' vote. It's a document that must be amendable ,” explains Éric Coquerel (LFI), president of the Finance Committee in the National Assembly. The right is equally reticent. “ There's no need for a referendum to know that the French are fed up with tax increases ,” asserts Laurent Wauquiez.
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