French President Emmanuel Macron is mulling over the possibility of holding a referendum in France in an attempt to resolve the socioeconomic crisis that triggered the wave of yellow vest rallies across the country, while officials have already launched preparations for the vote in case Macron gives the signal, the Journal du Dimanche newspaper reported on Sunday, citing sources close to the matter.
According to the sources, Macron is thinking about organizing the referendum on May 26, the day of the elections to the European Parliament, and the chances that the vote will be held on this very day are “very high,” the outlet reported.
The sources noted that the department of elections at the French Interior Ministry, responsible for holding the vote, had already reserved envelopes and ballots necessary for the referendum and are waiting for the “green light” from the president.
The newspaper claims that Macron has almost made up his mind about the referendum, however, the outlet did not provide any details about the potential referendum itself.
The wave of the so-called yellow vest rallies, which have been marked by violence, clashes with law enforcement agents and public disorder, started in France in mid-November last year. While the government decided not to raise fuel taxes, which triggered the rallies in the first place, and introduced other measures to improve the country’s socioeconomic situation, tens of thousands of protesters continue to take to the streets across France every weekend. (UNI)
Macron prepares referendum to end yellow vest protests
