TRANSCRIPTION: Finally, referendums were discussed as an important issue. The President of the Republic made a very specific proposal to amend Article Eleven, which defines the scope of referendums. The President of the Republic proposed amending this article so that we could hold referendums on broader subjects, on so-called societal issues such as the end of life or immigration. At the same time, he made a proposal on shared-initiative referendums, which would make it easier to use this option, but at the same time prohibit it on legislation that was passed less than a year ago, such as the pensions bill. The proposal he made, in short, authorised a referendum on immigration but prohibited a referendum on pensions, as we are calling for. So I am one of those who have expressed our rejection of such provisions. It would be incomprehensible to the French people to have a referendum on immigration today and not be able to hold one on pensions when the law allows us to do so in a few months' time and the subject is still a burning one. In any case, there was a consensus around the table that it seemed complicated to extend the possibility of holding referendums on societal issues such as immigration, because the subjects are so broad and divisive. But on top of that, what question should be asked about immigration? It can't be yes or no on subjects like that. And so there is currently a debate in Parliament. We need to push the debate in Parliament, and Parliament is sovereign on these kinds of issues. At least that's what we've all said. And so at this time, I can say that the possibility of having a referendum on immigration is not on the agenda. In fact, it is no longer on the agenda.
Editorial use only Contact your sales representative for commercial and promotional uses.License this clip
More footage filed by NurPhoto videographers.