More than 80% of French citizens would support holding an advisory referendum in the near future on the issues that concern society the most.
According to an Elabe poll commissioned by a television channel and published on May 11, 83% of respondents approved the idea of a referendum on key public concerns—such as national debt and spending, taxation, pension reform, and immigration.
The public opinion survey was conducted amid rumors that President Emmanuel Macron may propose such a referendum as early as next week.
Earlier in May, Prime Minister François Bayrou said that the government is considering putting forward a referendum on a plan for significant reform of public administration and spending, against the backdrop of efforts to reduce expenditures and cut the budget deficit. The Interior Minister also said that the French public should be consulted on immigration policy—although some legal experts question whether such a vote would comply with the law.
According to the survey, 59% of respondents would like a referendum on national debt, government spending, and taxation.
22% would prioritize a referendum on pension reform, and 21% on immigration policy.
There are significant differences in opinion depending on political affiliation. For example:
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61% of far-left voters want a referendum on pension reform,
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81% of Marine Le Pen’s party supporters favor a referendum on immigration policy.
Additionally, 43% of respondents said they would support a referendum on the legalization of voluntary assisted dying.
