France’s Emmanuel Macron says could use referendum for institutional reforms

ERIC FEFERBERG | AFP | Getty Images

French President Emmanuel Macron speaks during a special congress gathering both houses of parliament (National Assembly and Senate) in the palace of Versailles, outside Paris, on July 3, 2017.

In a much-touted policy speech to both houses of parliament which was strong on broad principles but carried little concrete announcements, the new president confirmed he wanted to add a dose of proportionality to future parliamentary elections.

He also confirmed he wanted to cut the number of lawmakers by a third and scrap a special judicial court that judges ministers.

“I want all of those deep reforms that our institutions seriously need to be done within a year,” Macron told lawmakers.

“These reforms will go to parliament but, if needed, I will put them to voters via a referendum.

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