Overview

• President Emmanuel Macron appeared on TF1's two-hour special titled 'Emmanuel Macron – the challenges for France,' addressing the nation and fielding questions from union leaders, influencers, and citizens.
• Macron proposed the possibility of a multi-issue referendum, potentially covering topics like assisted dying, immigration, and screen use among children, to foster greater public involvement in policymaking.
• The referendum, if conducted, would mark a rare democratic exercise in France, with costs estimated at €200 million for paper voting or €100 million for digital voting.
• Macron's appearance comes as he seeks to reset his domestic agenda after last year's snap elections left his Renaissance party in a weakened minority and the far-right RN as the largest parliamentary group.
• The president highlighted recent diplomatic achievements, including peace efforts in Ukraine and high-profile international engagements, to bolster his leadership image as he approaches the 2027 term limit.