“A loyally outstretched hand.” Emmanuel Macron invited the political parties represented in Parliament to a meeting on August 30 in order to build legislative texts “together” and to pave the way, “if necessary”, for referendums.
The Head of State thus clarifies his major political initiative announced in the middle of the summer. The discussions, which will span an afternoon and dinner, will focus on “the international situation and its consequences for France”, “the effectiveness of public action”, including new avenues for decentralization and institutional reforms and “the cohesion of the nation”, according to a letter made public on Saturday August 26.
“You share between yourselves strong agreements and real disagreements. But when the best interests of the country are at stake, I have confidence, like many French people, in our ability to converge without denial or renunciation”, writes Emmanuel Macron in this letter addressed to the leaders of the parties as well as to the presidents of assemblies. After wanting to dismiss the National Rally (RN) and La France insoumise (LFI), the Elysée changed its mind and finally invited them.
“A form of decivilization”
The Head of State also confirms that he is prepared to have recourse to the referendum route if necessary. “The ambition will be to agree on courses of action that can find concrete and rapid translations in the achievements of the government and the legislative texts built together. The people, by the voice of their representatives and if necessary by referendum, will have the last word,” he wrote.
Mr. Macron also mentions in his letter the recent urban riots which, according to him, “revealed in part of our youth a loss of sense of authority and civility, a form of decivilization”. The place of the exchanges will be communicated quickly, he promises, inviting participants to propose written contributions or to suggest other subjects.
